What is the value of history? How can we be guided by its lessons, and the enduring legacy of American ideals? David McCullough’s daughter Dorie Lawson is joined by Ryan J. Woods for a discussion of the Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and bestselling author David McCullough’s core beliefs, family beliefs, and this posthumous collection of his thought-provoking essays. Don’t miss this inspiring and affirming book event broadcast from our historic rotunda.  

David McCullough was one of the nation’s most decorated historians, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Over the course of his distinguished career, he emphatically showed the public why history matters. More personally, a curiosity and appreciation for the past, for the lessons of history, were central to his life and family.

On this special evening, McCullough’s daughter Dorie Lawson will be joined by Ryan J. Woods to discuss History Matters, a posthumously published collection of his essays, each of them vintage McCullough. Says Lawson, who had the honor of working with her father’s papers in the years since his death, “My mother, Rosalee, always said that his work was built to last, and it has been reassuring to see how right she was. What comes through most clearly in this collection are the themes of courage, integrity, honesty, careful study, independence, creativity, hard work, and love of country.” As the McCulloughs do, you will treasure the insightful and inspirational ideas conveyed in this great historian’s speeches, essays, tributes, interviews, and other personal expressions.

Featured Book: History Matters by David McCullough, edited by Dorie McCullough Lawson and Michael Hill

David McCullough (1933-2022) has been acclaimed as a master of the art of narrative history. He was twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize, twice winner of the National Book Award, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His previous books include: The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Path Between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, Brave Companions, Truman, 1776, The Greater Journey, The American Spirit, The Wright Brothers, The Pioneers, and John Adams, which was made into an HBO series produced by Tom Hanks. During his long and distinguished career he was a familiar presence on PBS as host of the Smithsonian World, The American Experience, and narrator of Ken Burns’ The Civil War.

 

Dorie McCullough Lawson is David McCullough’s daughter and worked with him for nearly three decades. She is the author of three previous books, including Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children. Co-author Michael Hill is an independent historical researcher who worked with David McCullough for over thirty years. He is also the author of three previous books, including a biography of Elihu Washburne. He served as a historical consultant for the HBO production of David McCullough’s John Adams.

Ryan J. Woods is President & CEO of American Ancestors. An educator and historian, he has dedicated professional life to developing experiences to educate, inspire, and connect people through the exploration of history, heritage, and culture. Ryan has recruited more than 1 billion searchable records to AmericanAncestors.org and, most recently, overseen the launch of the 10 Million Names Project and our new national headquarters and visitor center including the Family Heritage Experience at 97 Newbury Street in Boston.

Presented by American Ancestors’ American Inspiration series in partnership with Boston Book Festival and GBH Forum Network.