Echoes of American Democracy: Twelve Visionaries Across Three Centuries (Zoom)

Echoes of American Democracy: Twelve Visionaries Across Three Centuries (Zoom)

Spring (4-8 hours) | Available (Membership Required)

Online Lebanon, NH 03766 United States
Online Meeting
4/9/2026-4/30/2026
10:00 AM-12:00 PM EDT on Th
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$50.00

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Echoes of American Democracy: Twelve Visionaries Across Three Centuries (Zoom)

Spring (4-8 hours) | Available (Membership Required)

Inspiring Democracy profiles four eras in history when democracy was imagined by visionaries of lasting influence. Participants will discuss how their visions profoundly shape our own expectations for America today.

Revolutionary Era: Jefferson, Madison, Paine
Designing a republic anchored in popular authority. Democracy as civic participation and individual rights; strong constitutional structures; equality and self-rule as moral striving.

The Concord Circle: Emerson, Fuller, Thoreau
Democracy as moral independence and self-cultivation. Self-reliant individuals capable of original thought; full equality of women; conscience and resistance to injustice Video of the play Discord in Concord to be shown: https://tinyurl.com/5bxunaxc

Progressive Era: Addams, Dewey, Du Bois
Democracy as social cooperation and inclusive renewal. Ethical citizenship and solidarity across class lines; lived democracy through education and inquiry; abolishing racial inequality.

Civil Rights/Equality Era: King, Steinem, Herrington
Democracy realized through dignity, grassroots participation, and justice for black persons; feminist action; economic justice.

This course will consist of discussions between the Study Leader and participants.


  • There are no required books for this course.


Rousmaniere, Peter
Peter Rousmaniere

Peter Rousmaniere has been an Osher student and Study Leader for over fifteen years. His interests include Shakespeare, philosophy, immigration, and classical music. He is currently writing plays and thinking about the impact of artificial intelligence. He loves northern New England’s landscapes and small towns. He has a BA and MBA from Harvard.