An Evening of Celebration & Impact

On October 2026, the Thinking Nation community came together at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of historical thinking and the importance of an informed citizens. Surrounded by educators, supporters, and partners who share our vision, we reflected on the work happening in classrooms and the impact it has on the next generation.

As we celebrate 250 years of American democracy, our mission remains more important than ever. Together, we are working to equip students with the skills to think critically, engage with the past, and better understand the world around them. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and continues to make this work possible.

The Impact Behind the Mission

Our impact begins in the classroom, with teachers empowering students to ask questions, examine evidence, and better understand the world around them. Watch our impact video to see the heart behind our work and the difference we are working to make together. Thank you to everyone who makes this mission possible.

Meet our Guest Speaker: Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, bestselling author, and one of the nation’s most respected voices on American history and public life. A gifted storyteller, he brings the past to life in ways that illuminate the challenges and opportunities of the present.

Meacham is the author of several acclaimed books, including American Lion, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, as well as The Soul of America and His Truth Is Marching On. Through his writing and public speaking, he explores the character of American democracy, the power of leadership, and the enduring importance of civic responsibility.

In addition to his work as an author, Meacham has served as an editor at leading publications and is a frequent commentator on politics and history. His insights continue to shape national conversations about the role of history in a thriving democracy.

At a time when understanding the past is more important than ever, Jon Meacham challenges audiences to think deeply about the American story and their place within it.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Mission

Our Inaugural Gala was a reminder of what we can accomplish when a community comes together around a shared purpose. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, supported the evening, and believes in the power of historical thinking.

To our sponsors, donors, board members, educators, partners, and friends, thank you for investing in a future where students are equipped to think critically, engage with the past, and become informed citizens. Your support makes this work possible, and we are honored to have you as part of the Thinking Nation community.

As we celebrate 250 years of American democracy, we look forward to continuing this work together and helping the next generation understand the past, think deeply about the present, and shape the future.

Thank you for being part of Thinking Nation.

Platinum Sponsors

bioDesign-1
Dinah C. Ruch

Gold Sponsors

Jim Emison
MCLA (1)
Jennifer & Doug Walner
LiftOff (2)
Space Holder
CSG (3)

Table Hosts

DeMaria (1)
City National Bank (1)
Cote
Williams
Green Apple (1)
Serden Lapinski Gluck
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