Reviving the Liberty Talks in the spirit of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.
AMERICA AT 250
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, we reflect on the ideas that shaped the nation. In the Declaration of Independence, the founders wrote of the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — principles that became the philosophical foundation of the American experiment.
In the years leading up to the signing of the Declaration in 1776, colonists gathered in taverns, coffeehouses, and public meeting places to debate the future of the colonies. These gatherings, often called Liberty Talks, were spirited conversations about freedom, representation, and self-government. At the time, even gathering to question British authority was an act of rebellion.
Yet these early debates did not include everyone. Women, enslaved Africans, Indigenous peoples,
and many working-class colonists were excluded from the conversations and the political power they influenced.
The spirit of the Liberty Talks lives on — revived for a new generation, where every voice belongs in the conversation.
What is Liberty Talks 2026?
Liberty Talks 2026 is a civic storytelling initiative bringing people together
to reflect on the past, engage the present, and imagine the future of the American story.
Through live gatherings, filmed conversations, and cultural storytelling,
Liberty Talks creates space for artists, historians, community leaders, and everyday Americans to explore the evolving meaning of freedom, democracy, and belonging.
Many initiatives will commemorate the 250th anniversary. We honor that work.
Our Pursuit of Happiness project is focused on something complementary: Meeting Americans where they are and building a platform that helps communities connect history
to real life through modern cultural experiences.
Partners & Collaborators
Liberty Talks is built through collaboration with cultural institutions, community leaders, educators, media organizations, artists, and forward-thinking brands committed to meaningful dialogue and cultural storytelling.
We welcome partnership conversations across programming, storytelling, media, education, and cultural collaboration.
Join the Conversation
Liberty Talks is rooted in history, community, and civic engagement.
Interested in working together or have a question? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Contribute
Help Bring the Liberty Talks To Life
Contributions support the development of the Pursuit of Happiness / Liberty Talks pilot program.
Interactive Roots is a for-profit creative studio; contributions
are not tax-deductible.
No fee contribution.
Who We Are
Produced by Interactive Roots
Interactive Roots is a creative studio focused on cultural storytelling, experiential programming, and community-centered design. Driven by passion, grounded by values. We're a team of passionate thinkers and doers, dedicated to building with purpose and clarity. Collaboration and curiosity drive everything we do.