Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust's 2026 “It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding” Forum

With a shared commitment to presenting a more inclusive—and thus a more accurate—telling of our nation’s history, the Museum and the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust hosted the ninth “It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding” forum, a candid conversation about race in our nation’s history at the Museum on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

The theme of this year's forum was “America's 250th: Still on the Journey." Using the nation’s 250th anniversary as an opportunity for both remembering the past and preparing for the future, presenters explored examples of African American contributions to the United States throughout its history, through the lens of the historic sites that preserve these stories, as well as research-based recommendations for more deeply engaging young adults, especially Generation Z, in the civic life of the nation as we work together to create the future.

Featured panelists were Lawana Holland-Moore, Director of Grantee Impact and Engagement for the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and Alex Edgar, Co-Founder of Youth250 and the Youth Engagement Manager at Made By Us. The conversation was moderated by Adrienne G. Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum.

Featured Panelists:

• Lawana Holland-Moore
  Director of Grantee Impact and Engagement for the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
• Alex Edgar
  Co-Founder of Youth250 and the Youth Engagement Manager at Made By Us

Moderator:

• Adrienne G. Whaley
  Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution