Education for Democracy: An Integrated Scranton and U.S Story

The final theme is a culmination of both the collecting of Scranton’s stories and the invitation to Scranton’s citizens to engage with one another toward a more perfect union, locally and nationally. This theme will foster informed and engaged citizens who can express their opinions and take actions on issues that reflect the values of our democracy—aiming toward liberty and justice for all.

The founding ideas will come into dialogue with the failings and triumphs, as we will have learned through Scranton’s stories. The central question of “Who are We?” -- as Scrantonians and as citizens of the United States of America -- will animate the final discussion on local and national civic identity.

Fall 2023 Events & Activities

Premiere of "Scranton Stories" Oral History Interviews & Portrait Photographs

Panel Discussion and Exhibit Opening, Friday, October 27, 2023, 5pm

The panel discussion and exhibit events premiere the project’s final phase, an oral history initiative called “Scranton Stories.” The exhibit features portraits by photographer Byron Maldonado of each interviewee with personal statements and evocative interviews giving voice to an array of Scranton experiences and connecting them, and our city, to our nation's ongoing story. Visit the Scranton Stories page for more background on the oral history initiative.

Scranton Stories (Panel Discussion)
University of Scranton, Brennan Hall 228. 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. RSVP here.

Oral Histories Premier and Photo Exhibit (Public Reception)
University of Scranton, Hyland Hall 407. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The exhibit runs from October 27–November 17, 2023. Visit the event page.

“Who are We as a Nation? Educating for Democracy”
Nov 16 Humanities & Hoban Forum Lecture

Keynote lecture and book signing with Dr. Danielle Allen, Harvard University political theorist and author of Justice by Means of Democracy, Nov. 16, 2023, 7-8:30pm, DeNaples Center Ballroom, The University of Scranton, free and open to the public.

Danielle Allen, PhD, is the James Bryant Conant University Professor and Director of the Allen Lab for Renovating Democracy at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center. She co-chaired the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship and is the author of numerous books including her most recent Justice by Means of Democracy. This keynote lecture with Q&A and discussion is part of the Hoban forum lecture series hosted in collaboration with the Lackawanna Bar Association and will conclude the Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story initiative. Dr. Allen’s talk will consider the question “who are we?” as members of the Scranton community and the nation and how can we “educate for democracy” in the run-up to the 250^th anniversary of the United States. RSVP here.

Humanities Resources

Scranton Stories Oral Histores

Justice by Means of Democracy, Danielle Allen

An American Dilemma, Gunnar Myrdal

Our America: Who are We? Sondra Myers