Goff Lecture: Representing the Nation: A Look Back at the Bicentennial with Richard Kurin

The Rhode Island Historical Society will host its first Newell D. Goff Lecture of 2026 on Thursday, May 14th, at 6pm. The talk, Representing the Nation: A Look Back at the Bicentennial will be presented by Richard Kurin, Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large for the Smithsonian.

In 1976, the U.S. marked its Bicentennial, and the Smithsonian Institution—with its national museums—played a central role, organizing the opening of the National Air and Space Museum, major exhibitions like Nation of Nations, and benchmark programs like the Festival of American Folklife. How nations mark key anniversaries tells us not only about how they conceive of their historical origins, but perhaps more so about the times and contexts in which they are celebrated. Richard Kurin, who started his 50-year career with the Smithsonian working on the Bicentennial, examines key initiatives of the time and the events and sensibilities that shaped them.

Guests will enjoy a light reception prior to the talk. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with the talk starting at 6 p.m.

This talk is the first of two Goff Lectures that will be presented in collaboration with Smithsonian Affiliations in 2026. Both presentations will explore a different aspect of the RIHS’s year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

Richard Kurin is currently the Smithsonian’s distinguished scholar and ambassador at large, having previously served as the Institution’s undersecretary and director of its Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. He is the author of several books, including The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects, has served on numerous national boards and commissions, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Guests can register for free, here.