On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding. The “unalienable rights” set forth by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - represent an audacious and challenging experiment which Americans have been trying to realize since 1776. 

As part of NPR’s AMERICA IN PURSUIT national audio series, visionary American pianist, scholar and NPR host Lara Downes brings The Declaration Project  to communities across the country for a series of live events featuring musical conversations with world-renowned historians, authors, and scholars whose unique perspectives and knowledge of our nation’s history trace our American dreams through the past 250 years, imagining the next chapter of our national story.

These intimate and insightful conversations-with-music offer essential opportunities for civic engagement and dialogue as we contemplate the past and present, and envision the possibilities of the American future.

In Conversation with Jill Lepore

THE FIRST SONG: Lara and Jill Lepore explore the song “My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free” written in 1759 by founding father Francis Hopkinson, reflecting the origins of American independence.

In Conversation with Bryan Stevenson

DEEP RIVER: Bryan Stevenson joins Lara to reflect on  the traditional American Spiritual “Deep River”, the expression of resilience and faith,  and the history of our long fight for freedom and justice.

In Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson

WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED: Lara and Heather Cox Richardson consider and discuss the “fight songs” that have spoken out and stood up during the most perilous moments of  America’s history.

In Conversation with John McWhorter 

GET HAPPY: Lara and John McWorter discuss the role of  American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times - the songs that have chased our cares away even in times of  hardship, crisis and wartime, to remind us that “the sun will come up tomorrow!” 

In Conversation with Tressie McMillan Cottom

FREIGHT TRAIN: Lara hosts Tressie McMillan Cottom to reflect on Elizabeth Cotten’s iconic song “Freight Train,” the sounds of home, and the rhythms of migration.

In Conversation with Adam Gopnik

THE MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE OF AMERICA: Adam Gopnik joins Lara in a conversation about Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and the musical expression of American patriotism by immigrants to our country.

In Conversation with Imani Perry

AMAZING GRACE: Lara talks with Imani Perry about the presence and power of grace, the possibility of redemption, and the necessity of forgiveness and empathy in the American past and present.

In Conversation with Salamishah Tillett

I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE: Lara talks with Salamishah Tillett about Nina Simone’s iconic Civil Rights-era anthem, and music as the soundtrack of our long fight for freedom.

In Conversation with Nate Chinen

NEW WORLD A-COMIN’: Lara hosts Nate Chinen for a deep dive into the music and legacy of Duke Ellington, and his belief that both American music and people should exist “beyond category.”