Connor Williams Presents: History, Heroes, and Bipartisanship

On Thursday, February 26, American historian—and year-round Westport local—Connor Williams joins us for a timely conversation about history, memory, and what true heroism looks like in America today.

In 2021–2022, Williams served as staff director and historian for the Congressional Naming Commission, the bipartisan body tasked with removing Confederate commemorations from U.S. military installations and replacing them with names that better reflect the nation’s highest ideals. The Commission succeeded—finishing on time, under budget, and with unanimous agreement among its members (three Republicans, one Democrat, and four retired flag officers).

About the Talk
“History, Heroes, and Bipartisanship: What Working for Congress to End Confederate Commemorations Teaches About Our Past, Present, and Future”

For this talk, Williams will:
-Reflect on how cross-aisle agreement was achieved in today’s political climate
-Share the stories and deeds of the military men and women selected as new namesakes
-Reflect on what the process reveals about American identity and the meaning of heroism
-Discuss the possibilities, power, promise—and potential pitfalls—of bipartisan work, and his vision for the future

There will be ample time for Q&A.