Commemorating History: Then and Now

Commemorating History: Then and Now is a special public program at the Capital Jewish Museum that brings together historians and the public for a lively discussion about how we tell America's origin story. Held in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of the historic Adas Israel synagogue, the event features Professors Laura Schiavo and M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska, who will examine how public commemorations of landmark moments have changed over time, both on the national stage and in Jewish-specific celebrations. The conversation is moderated by the museum's executive director, Dr. Bea Gurwitz, and offers a thoughtful look at the connections between historical memory and present-day issues.

When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.

Showtimes: A single program session begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8 pm.

Tickets: General admission is $5; Museum members attend free. A "Chai" ticket at $18 helps subsidize the cost of regular tickets, making the program more accessible for all.

Lineup: Speakers are Laura Schiavo (PhD, Deputy Director at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design and Associate Professor of Museum Studies at George Washington University) and M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska (Associate Professor of History and Public History at American University, author of *History Comes Alive*). The program moderator is Dr. Bea Gurwitz, Executive Director of the Capital Jewish Museum.

Run time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Ages: No age restrictions are specified; the program is designed for a general audience.

Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC.

Note: This event may be attended in person at the museum. There is also a virtual attendance option listed separately; the in-person program takes place at the museum. For accessibility details, refer to the museum's website.