In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its enduring role in American life today. Tracing the remarkable journey of this iconic document—from a Philadelphia boarding house to wartime hiding places and its place as a national symbol—Auslin explores how its ideals of liberty and equality have inspired generations and continue to shape the American experiment. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates.

This program was streamed live on May 6, 2026, as part of the NCC's Book Club Series.

Resources

Michael Auslin, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America (2026)
National Constitution Center, Interactive Declaration of Independence

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