Event Schedule
Saturday, May 30 | Arch Street Meeting House
May 30, 2026Start your day with an optional walking tour visiting nearby historic sites in Old City Philadelphia, then join us in the afternoon for the main program featuring advocates, scholars, and community leaders examining threats to our democracy and sharing insights on building a more inclusive, democratic future for our nation.
Schedule
Walking Tour of Old City Philadelphia
Join us for a curated tour of historic sites and local points of interest related to the origins of pluralism and democracy in the colonies and the United States. Space is limited, so register today!
Hosted by the Freethought Society.
10:00am
Welcome Reception
Arrive early for coffee, tea, and light refreshments at the Arch Street Meeting House. Meet the speakers, chat with other attendees, and browse exhibitor tables to learn more about participating and partnering organizations.
12:30pm
Opening Remarks
Bishop Dwayne Royster, Faith In Action
PA State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta*
The main program kicks off at 1:30pm in the West Room. Welcome remarks will feature a video presentation from Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta.
1:30pm
Panel: Truth, History, and the Politics of American Memory
Panelists:
David Krueger, Executive Director, Dialogue Institute
Sean Connolly, Executive Director, Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust
Moderator: Nick Fish, President, American Atheists
As the United States approaches our 250th anniversary, battles over history have been intensifying in classrooms, museums, libraries, and public spaces across the country. Political leaders and activists are increasingly targeting discussions of race, religion, gender, sexuality, and inequality under the banner of “patriotic education” and opposition to so-called “divisive” history.
This panel will explore the tensions over competing narratives about America’s past and how they shape public policy and national identity today. Speakers will explore the origins and evolution of religious freedom and secular democracy in the United States, current efforts to rewrite or erase parts of American history, why pluralistic storytelling matters for democracy, and what individuals and communities can do to defend historical truth and inclusive public memory.
2:00pm
Break & Exhibitors
Browse the organization tables in the Reception Room and connect with fellow attendees and speakers. Light refreshments provided.
3:00pm
Panel: Beyond 250 — The Fight for America’s Future
Panelists:
Elizabeth Reiner Platt, Director, The Law, Rights, and Religion Project
Maggie Siddiqi, Senior Advisor, Interfaith Alliance
Philip Lindsay, Director, Democracy Innovation Hub
Moderator: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, Legal Director, American Atheists
The debate over America’s future is about more than politics—it is about who belongs, whose rights are protected, and whether democracy can withstand rising extremism and exclusionary nationalism.
This forward-looking conversation will examine the growing influence of White Christian Nationalism, the threats it poses to religious freedom and democratic institutions, and the opportunities for building broad coalitions in defense of pluralism, equal treatment, and secular government. Panelists will also discuss strategies for civic engagement, community organizing, and advocacy in the years ahead.
3:30pm
Closing Remarks
Nick Fish, President of American Atheists, will close the main program.
5:00pm
Discussion & Exhibitors
Continue the conversation with fellow attendees, engage with speakers from the event, and browse exhibitor tables to learn more and connect with allied local and national organizations.