Liberty in Context: The American Story at 250
Celebrating 250 years of the American story.
Commemorate America's 250th anniversary with Hood College and Frederick Community College. Join us throughout the year for a series of free discussions, presentations and cultural events led by faculty experts, who will examine unique chapters of American history. Learn about the struggles for freedom, equality and representation faced by remarkable citizens past and present, as we celebrate what it means to be American.
Learn more about American 250, and explore the full schedule of events below.
What to the Hawaiian is the Fourth of July?
Paradoxes of Liberty and Independence in U.S. History
With Mallory Huard, Ph.D.
February 11 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons, Reading Porch (second floor)
Free and open to the public.
In 1852, Frederick Douglass gave his famous speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Forty-two years later, after a coup against the Hawaiian Queen Lili‘uokalani, the Republic of Hawaii was declared on July 4, 1894. Assistant Professor of History Mallory Huard, Ph.D., explores the complicated meanings of July 4 celebrations for African Americans and Native Hawaiians, offering an important perspective on the meaning of Independence Day and 250 years of American History.
What Happened to Halfway African American Cemetery?
With Emilie Amt, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Paul
February 24 | 1 p.m.
Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons, Reading Porch (second floor)
Free and open to the public.
Created in 1897, Halfway African American Cemetery housed 400 individuals. But when the property was sold for development in 1944, the cemetery was not relocated. Instead, it was largely destroyed and forgotten—until being rediscovered decades later. Emilie Amt, Ph.D., professor emerita of history at Hood College, and Elizabeth Paul, president of the Friends of Halfway African American Cemetery, will discuss the history and preservation of this important local landmark and its significance to marginalized communities.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Supported by the Hood College Office of Community and Inclusivity and the Center for the Humanities.
The American Experiment
American Ideals Through the Lens of the U.S. Military
With Youssef Aboul-Enein, DOL’25
March 19 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons, Reading Porch (second floor)
Free and open to the public.
Youssef Aboul-Enein, DOL’25, is a survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack who spent 28 years on active duty, retiring as a U.S. Navy Commander. The author and co-author of seven books on the Middle East, extremist ideology and radicalization, Aboul-Enein will discuss the importance of the American experiment, examining why countries struggle with managing the alienation of certain populations and how policymakers can find the right balance between civil liberties and public safety.
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