Perspectives on American History and Culture

Imagine a bi-partisan dinner with U.S. Senators and Representatives at the Library of Congress with leading contemporary historians and a billionaire patrotic philanthropist. Then image an evening of enlightened discussions about American history without the presence of media or political jockeying. This is the setting of the Congressional Dialogues that philanthropist and Carlyle Group co-founder, David Rubenstein, has been holding since 2013. Today, many of these dialogues have become the foundation of David’s new book—The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians. David spent time with World Footprints to talk about The American Story, the lessons and insights that his book offers and the importance that our history provides as well as the places that bring American history to life. Then, when you hear the words: Patriotism or National Pride, what comes to your mind? Travel journalist Jen Tousey of This Family Blog says that those words no longer reflect a deep love for America. Instead, those words have become politicized to such a degree that they may be putting the survival of American culture at risk. But Jen says that traveling can foster a greater appreciation and love for our country and our collective history. Thereby reviving the American experiment for future generations. Join us as we walk in the footsteps of America’s rich history and discover some places that bring history alive.