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1/6: The Graphic Novel
Imagining a Dark Alternate Outcome of January 6th
with Harvard Law Professor Alan Jenkins
(Webinar) Thursday, May 9, from 12 pm to 1 pm ET
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Join us for a webinar featuring Harvard Law Professor and author Alan Jenkins to discuss his groundbreaking new series, "1/6: The Graphic Novel." Written by Alan Jenkins and New York Times bestselling author Gan Golan and illustrated by veteran comic book artist Will Rosado, "1/6" answers the question: What if the January 6 Insurrection had been successful?
This graphic novel chillingly demonstrates how strategic disinformation and extremism convinced ordinary Americans to undermine cherished constitutional values and support violent sedition. Inspired by speculative fiction such as 1984, The Handmaid's Tale, The Twilight Zone, and Parable of the Sower, "1/6" explores themes of autocracy, scapegoating, and more, all presented through a captivating, character-driven story.
By using graphic novels as a medium, "1/6" aims to encourage readers to engage in meaningful discussions about democracy and the need to protect our values. It is a cautionary tale that urges people to take action against ongoing attempts to downplay, justify, and divert blame away from those who perpetrated the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Additionally, "1/6" includes an Education and Action Guide developed by the Western States Center, a nonprofit organization that works with communities and organizations to strengthen democracy.
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Alan Jenkins is a writer, Harvard Law professor, and human rights advocate. He teaches courses on racial justice, strategic communications, and Supreme Court jurisprudence and is a frequent commentator in broadcast and print media. He is also a screenwriter, selected as a Blacklist/Google screenwriting fellow, and named a “2022 Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch” by the International Screenwriters Association.
Jenkins’s previous positions include President and Co-Founder of the social justice communication lab The Opportunity Agenda, Director of Human Rights at the Ford Foundation, Assistant to the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Jenkins holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.A. in Media Studies from the New School for Public Engagement, and a B.A. in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard College.
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When:
Thursday, May 23, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Where:
(In Person)
Capitol Campus, Room TBA
Washington, DC 20002
(Virtual) Livestreamed Video
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The Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, of 1924 marked a significant milestone in American history by granting citizenship to Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. This legislation, along with the 15th Amendment, which guarantees a citizen's right to vote regardless of race, represents a critical step towards ensuring indigenous suffrage.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of this landmark legislation, the US Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) invites you to join us for a scholarly symposium dedicated to exploring the complexities of Native American suffrage, citizenship, and sovereignty. This symposium will feature panel discussions and a lunchtime conversation with leading scholars and practitioners. Our central goal is to represent a balance of federal, academic, tribal, and advocacy viewpoints and a diversity of regional perspectives.
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- Admission is FREE and open to the public, registration is required.
- This hybrid event will be livestreamed, register online to receive a link to the video recording.
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Native American Citizenship, Suffrage, and Sovereignty in History
- Historians will discuss the history of Native American citizenship, suffrage, and sovereignty in the United States as it relates to and beyond the Snyder Act.
Representation in National and Local Narratives
- A lunchtime conversation with individuals in community-facing roles about Native American representation in predominant national narratives.
Suffrage, Activism, & the Law Today
- Panelists will discuss contemporary suffrage, activist, and legal efforts today made by Native American groups. This panel asks: what challenges to suffrage still exist and how are communities advocating for and creating change?
Sovereignty in the 21st Century
- Panelists will reflect on Native American sovereignty in the 21st Century. This panel will bring together leaders in their respective fields to discuss shifting relationships between Tribal Nations and the Federal Government.
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David Silverman, PhD
Professor of History at George Washington University
USCHS' "This Land is Their Land" 2021 Webinar
Dr. Lila Teeters Knolle
Lecturer on History and Literature at Harvard University
The Honorable Kevin Gover
Undersecretary for Museums and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution
John Echohawk
Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund
Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese, Yunpoví (Tewa: Willow Flower)
Assistant Professor of Law, Stanford Law School
We are still in the process of confirming additional panelists for this symposium. Thank you for your patience as we finalize the lineup for this important event.
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Bootleggers and Gangsters:
The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
(Webinar) Thursday, May 16, from 12 pm to 1 pm ET
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The Prohibition Era, spanning from 1920 to 1933, marked a tumultuous period in American history with the nationwide ban on alcohol production and sales. Difficult to enforce and widely disobeyed, Prohibition lasted almost 14 years before the 21st Amendment repealed it. | |
Join us with author and historian Garrett Peck for another webinar in our Amendment Series to discuss the 18th and 21st Amendments. Known for his role in making the Rickey Washington, DC's official cocktail in 2011, Peck will draw insights from his book, "Prohibition in Washington, DC: How Dry We Weren't," which features compelling stories about the hidden world of speakeasies and bootleggers, including the intriguing tale of George Cassiday, the congressional bootlegger who inspired Green Hat Gin, and the vibrant jazz-infused nightlife of U Street. | |
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Starting with the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, we will explore how Prohibition gave rise to illicit alcohol trades such as rum-running, bootlegging, and moonshining. These trades not only satisfied the public's demand for alcohol but also transformed small-time street gangs into large-scale organized crime syndicates.
The massive profits from bootlegging allowed gangs to expand their operations, with mobsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano dominating the underworld and forming powerful crime families. Their activities, including violent turf wars and corruption of public officials, dramatically shifted the public's perception of the nationwide ban on alcohol. Ultimately, the rampant crime and public dissatisfaction led to the repeal of Prohibition with the ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933.
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Garrett Peck is an author, historian, and tour guide in Santa Fe, specializing in adventure travel and historic and cultural interpretation. He leads the Willa Cather’s Santa Fe tour, among others.
The author of eight books about American history, Garrett’s latest is A Decade of Disruption: America in the New Millennium. He is currently working on a book about how Willa Cather wrote her “best book” (her words), Death Comes for the Archbishop.
Garrett has lectured for the Library of Congress, the National Archives, Smithsonian Associates, historical societies, and literary clubs. A native Californian, he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and George Washington University and is a U.S. Army veteran.
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Join Us in Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! | |
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 – May 10, 2024) is the perfect time to celebrate educators who inspire and shape the minds of our future leaders. By celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, we can show our gratitude for teachers' hard work, dedication, and passion for education, and highlight the importance of supporting and investing in our educators. | |
| Poll: What resources do you believe would enhance civics or history teaching? | | |
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To show our appreciation, we invite you to explore and share USCHS's engaging civic education programs designed to enrich your teaching and inspire students: | |
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Educator Workshops
Participate in free interactive workshops that explore key moments in U.S. history, from the founding of our nation to the present day. Gain access to primary source materials and innovative teaching strategies to enhance your curriculum.
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We The People Hub
Access various teaching resources, including lesson plans, primary sources, and video content, to bring civics education to life in your classroom. Discover new ways to engage your students and ignite their passion for learning.
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Teaching the Constitution Through Theater
Discover original plays from StoryWorks Theater, focusing on pivotal moments and figures in American history. Each play comes with curriculum materials, including lesson plans and discussion questions, designed to integrate seamlessly into teaching.
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Upcoming Congressional Briefings | |
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The AHA’s Congressional Briefings series seeks to provide Congressional staff members, journalists, and other members of the policy community with the historical context essential to understanding contemporary issues. The sessions are strictly nonpartisan and avoid advancing particular policy prescriptions or legislative agendas.
Historical Perspectives on Transportation Safety Regulations
Thursday, May 9, 9 a.m. ET - Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2075
Panelists Janet Bednarek (Univ. of Dayton), Jeff Davis (Eno Center for Transportation), and Peter Norton (Univ. of Virginia) will provide historical context on federal transportation regulations, with a particular focus on the aviation, railroad, shipping, and automobile industries. Alexandra Levy (American Historical Association) will serve as moderator. A breakfast spread and coffee will be served.
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Historical Perspectives on Gerrymandering
Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. ET - Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2060
Panelists Joanne Freeman (Yale Univ. and U.S. Capitol Historical Society's Council of Scholars), Nancy Beck Young (Univ. of Houston), and Julian Zelizer (Princeton Univ.) will provide historical context on gerrymandering. James Grossman (American Historical Association) will serve as moderator. A breakfast spread and coffee will be served.
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Judge Richard Gergel is a District Court Judge on the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He was nominated to the Court in 2009 by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2010. He holds a B.A. and J.D. from Duke University.
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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. She was nominated to the Court in 2022 by President Joseph R. Biden and confirmed the same year. She holds a B.A. and J.D. from Harvard University.
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The National Heritage Lecture was established in 1991 by the Supreme Court Historical Society, the United States Capitol Historical Society, and the White House Historical Association. Its purpose is to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of the American system of government and the principles upon which it was founded. Hosted in turn by each of the three historical societies, the National Heritage Lecture explores one of the three branches of government and the momentous events and personalities associated with its history. | | |
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2022 Bethune Symposium
Watch CSPAN's video recording of our 2022 Bethune Symposium, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. This event commemorated the dedication of a statue in her honor by the U.S. Congress on July 13, 2022, as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection.
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Under the Dome with the 10th Architect of the Capitol, Alan Hantman | Watch our latest webinar featuring Alan Hantman, the 10th Architect of the Capitol from 1997 to 2007, to discuss his upcoming book, "Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architecture at the United States Capitol." Together, we explored how the Capitol building underwent numerous renovations and expansions under Hantman's guidance as the official entrusted with preserving and enhancing this historic landmark and the surrounding grounds of Capitol Hill. | |
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Exploring the 17th Amendment:
The Journey to Direct Senate Elections
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Watch our latest webinar with Katherine A. Scott, PhD from the U.S. Senate Historical Office to learn about the 17th Amendment. Ratified on April 8, 1913, the 17th Amendment made the Senate more democratic, responsive, and representative by directly electing senators, and correcting flaws in the political system. Dr. Scott details the Amendment's journey, its effects on American politics, and its role in reshaping the dynamics between state and federal powers. | | | | |
Explore USCHS' Constitutional Amendment Video Series! | Discover the captivating stories of intense struggle, debate, and moments of unity that helped shape our democracy. Learn how the U.S. Constitution functions as a living, breathing document capable of safeguarding our rights and freedoms through centuries of change. | |
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New Portrait in Oversight:
Fast & Furious Investigation into
Failed Gun Trafficking Tactic
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Today, the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School, in collaboration with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, is releasing a Portrait in Oversight summarizing a lengthy congressional investigation into a failed federal law enforcement strategy that allowed guns bought in Arizona to be trafficked into Mexico without first seizing the illegally purchased guns. Launched in 2011, the investigation led by House and Senate Republicans raised law enforcement, whistleblower, and obstruction of Congress concerns; sparked a years-long court battle over congressional access to executive branch documents; and initiated the first House vote to hold a sitting Cabinet member in contempt of Congress.
“The Fast and Furious investigation, begun after U.S. Border Protection Agent Brian Terry was killed with a gun trafficked from the United States, required years of effort to unravel the facts and end a misguided and reckless law enforcement tactic,” said Jim Townsend, director of the Levin Center. “The inquiry was not an easy one, involving lengthy court battles and executive branch resistance to congressional information requests, but also demonstrated congressional resolve to meet its constitutional obligation to act as an effective check on executive branch misconduct.”
|  | “One of the cornerstones of American democracy is our system of checks and balances,” said U.S. Capitol Historical Society President and CEO, Jane L. Campbell. “Congress' power to investigate the federal government is an important aspect of that system, as played out in the difficult, yet necessary 'Fast and Furious' investigation. It reinforced the lesson to U.S. agencies that the ends don't always justify the means; and that every administration, of either party, has a responsibility to be transparent with Congress and the citizens it represents.” | |
Get Involved: Engage with USCHS Programs | |
Featured Resources for Every Classroom
Explore our "We the People" Hub for free lesson plans, classroom activities, primary source analysis, and more! These foundational resources are crucial for understanding the U.S. Constitution and the three branches of government, making them essential for any civics curriculum.
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U.S. Capitol History Tours | The Society offers historian-led tours as a benefit of our membership program. Led by our knowledgeable guides, our tours provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the history and significance of the iconic Capitol building. | | |
Revisit Our Recent History Webinars | |
Missed one of our webinars? No worries! Simply head over to our YouTube channel, where we have recordings of each webinar readily available for your enjoyment.
Join our live webinars for the opportunity to participate in dynamic Q&A sessions with our speakers.
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How You Can Help
Your support is vital in promoting informed citizenship and preserving our history. Whether you join the Society as an annual Member or make a tax-deductible donation, your contribution makes a lasting impact. Discover ways to maximize your support for the Society now!
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The James Agrippa Morrill Memorial Fund | |
The Morrill family established the James Agrippa Morrill Memorial Fund in memory of Jim Morrill, a devoted USCHS volunteer. The fund will support the Society's civic education efforts, including our We the People Constitution Program, providing middle school students in D.C. with an immersive learning experience centered around the Constitution.
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Share our mission with your network
Help us reach more people who believe in empowering our youth. The more people know about our work, the more significant our impact can be. Follow us on social media, forward this newsletter, and encourage teachers to incorporate our resources into their curriculum.
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Discover the heart of American history with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society! Founded in 1962, our mission is to inspire informed patriotism by educating you about the Capitol and the people who work there. | |
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