Skip to main content

Overview

Ryan J. Woods in Conversation with Dorie McCullough Lawson—Author, Editor, and Daughter of David McCullough
October 23, 2025 5:00 – 8:30 PM (ET)
American Ancestors headquarters and Chilton Club, Boston, MA

Join American Ancestors for an inspiring evening that explores the value of history and historical research through the words and beliefs of one of America’s most decorated historians—David McCullough. The evening begins at the American Ancestors headquarters with a conversation between Ryan J. Woods and Dorie McCullough Lawson on the new book History Matters, a collection of David McCullough’s speeches, essays, tributes, interviews, and other personal expressions. Then, join us—and Ms. Lawson—for a cocktail reception and dinner at the Chilton Club. 

Ticketing for this event is now closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact signatureevents@americanancestors.org.

American Inspiration Author Event

Dorie Lawson, David McCullough's Daughter, Discusses History Matters with Ryan J. Woods
American Ancestors headquarters, 97 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
5:00 – 6:15 PM (ET)

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, joined by Ryan J. Woods, will discuss the Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and bestselling author David McCullough’s core beliefs, family beliefs, and this posthumous collection of his thought-provoking essays.

I'm convinced that history encourages, as nothing else does, a sense of proportion about life, gives us a sense of relative scale of our own brief time on earth and how valuable that is
- David McCullough, from History Matters

 

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 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.

Cocktail Reception & Dinner

Dinner with Dorie Lawson
Chilton Club, 152 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116
6:30 – 8:30 PM (ET)

Following the conversation at American Ancestors, join Dorie McCullough Lawson—author, editor, and daughter of David McCullough—for a private reception and dinner at the Chilton Club. This is an exclusive event for American Ancestors Board and Council and their guests.

 

MENU

Cocktail Reception

Chef's selection of passed hors d'oeuvres

Beer, wine, and soft drinks


Dinner

Seasonal Greens Salad (GF) 
Shaved market vegetables and heirloom tomatoes. dijon shallot vinaigrette

Lemon Thyme Seared Chicken Breast (GF) 
Roasted shallot whipped potatoes, broccolini, and carrots

Vanilla Crème Brûlée (GF) 
Berries, burnt sugar crust