American Inspiration Hero
American Inspiration
A best-selling author series by American Ancestors
Stories of American history, heritage, and culture
As part of our mission to educate, inspire and connect people to their family history, the American Inspiration Author Series explores themes of personal identity, families, immigration, and social and cultural history. Discover inspiring and thought-provoking stories of American families and the complex history which has shaped this country.
Brought to you by
The Brue Family Learning Center
Our Partners
American Inspiration Author Series partners with a variety of influential Boston institutions for many of our events, including Boston Public Library, GBH Forum Network, Museum of African American History, Porter Square Books, and the State Library of Massachusetts.
Upcoming Events
Author Event
Online
Paid
Camper English with Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails
In this delightful work of cultural and medical history, Camper English, a cocktails and spirits expert, reveals how and why the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same.
Moderated by Richard Thompson Ford
August 22, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
Author Event
Online
Free
Dan Bouk with Democracy’s Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them
Learn the human stories behind the numbers and find out what makes the U.S. Census such a complex portrait of American life in this illustrated talk.
August 30, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
Author Event
Online
Free
Mark Clague with O Say Can You Hear? A Cultural Biography of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Hear author Mark Clague on the history of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and how a song that captured a historical moment became the anthem of a nation.
Moderated by Kristina R. Gaddy
September 12, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
Author Event
Online
Paid
Eric Jay Dolin with Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution
The best-selling historian shares insights on writing history and discusses his latest book on the daring freelance sailors who proved essential to the winning of the Revolutionary War—reclaiming them and their heroic stories for history’s annals.
Moderated by William M. Fowler
September 20, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
Author Event
Online
Free
The History of Clothing: Two Authors Discuss Style and Substance
Join us for a lively panel discussion featuring two new works on the history of clothing, from the opulent court of Louis XIV to the modern-day runway.
Moderated by Petra Slinkard
September 29, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
Author Event
Online
Free
Adam Hochschild with American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace, and Democracy’s Forgotten Crisis
The award-winning historian brings to life 1917-1921 in America—the forgotten yet crucial window between World War I and the Roaring Twenties.
October 11, 2022
American Inspiration Author Series
