"IN PURSUIT" of American History's Greatest Lessons

Cover Image from In Pursuit, Lessons from the American Experiment

America's Semiquincentennial not only marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, but also serves as a nationwide milestone to celebrate lessons from the American experiment. One of the many initiatives that seeks to engage Americans over the course of this multi-year celebration of American history is "In Pursuit," a new initiative from More Perfect. Led by the country’s most insightful and respected students of history, In Pursuit seeks to review our first 250 years and distill its most timeless lessons to inspire and inform our future.

According to In Pursuit, their approach to documenting lessons from the American experiment is that the United States is a living, evolving experiment in democracy. Its story is never static; each generation reinterprets the nation’s founding ideals in the context of new challenges. By “debriefing” America for its 250th anniversary, Americans can gain the tools to strengthen its institutions, renew civic trust, and ensure that the nation’s next chapter reflects the best of its enduring principles. Throughout 2026, In Pursuit will surface these lessons week by week following the American story chronologically.

In doing so, In Pursuit aims to restore trust in shared history by bringing together respected historians and journalists, as well as former presidents and first ladies, and cultural icons to tell balanced stories about presidents and first ladies. Readers can rely on short essays rooted in evidence, clarity, and integrity. Each essay distills a powerful insight—about leadership, character, or civic responsibility—that speaks directly to our moment. History becomes not just something to study, but something relevant to chart our path forward.

In Pursuit makes history accessible to everyone. Brief, compelling essays, paired with podcasts, educational videos, social media, and events, ensure that students, teachers, and citizens of all ages can learn from our past.