Historian Heather Cox Richardson delves into the tumultuous journey of American democracy in Democracy Awakening. Examining the historical forces that have led to the current political climate, Richardson weaves together a story of how democracy has persisted despite attempts to undermine it. She pivots from the Founders, abolitionists, and Reconstruction to Nixon and the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the political legacies of the New Deal, the lingering fears of socialism, the death of the liberal consensus, and the birth of “movement conservatism.” Join Richardson in conversation with MHS President Catherine Allgor as they discuss the evolving process of democracy and consider how the lessons of the past can be used to address today’s challenges.

Join Ned Hinkle and Ivy Moylan from the Brattle Theatre as we discuss 1977’s Between the Lines, starring John Heard, Lindsay Crouse, and Jeff Goldblum. The movie follows an underground newspaper in Boston on the verge of corporate takeover. Watch the film at home and discuss your thoughts with us! Between the Lines is available through Tubi, Kanopy, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other streaming sites.

Join MHS Chief Historian Peter Drummey as we discuss 1968’s The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. An adventuresome bank executive believes he has pulled off the perfect multi-million dollar heist only to match wits with an insurance investigator. Watch the film at home and discuss your thoughts with us. The Thomas Crown Affair is available through Amazon Prime, Hulu, Starz, YouTube, and other streaming sites.

Join film critic Ty Burr, as we discuss 1973’s Friends of Eddie Coyle, starring Robert Mitchum and Peter Boyle. It is the film adaptation of the 1970 novel by George V. Higgins, and tells the story of Eddie Coyle’s career in the Irish Mob in Boston. Watch the film at home and discuss your thoughts with us! Friends of Eddie Coyle available through Hulu, Amazon Video, Google Video, Starz, HBO Max, and other streaming sites.

Join historians Jim Vrabel and Susan Wilson, as they discuss 1984’s The Bostonians, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Reeve, and Madeleine Potter. It is the film adaptation of the 1886 novel by Henry James, and tells the story of a Boston feminist and a conservative Southern lawyer as they contend for the heart and mind of a girl unsure of her future. Watch the film at home and discuss your thoughts with us! The Bostonians is available through Tubi, Amazon Video, Google Video, iTunes, YouTube, and other streaming sites.

John Demos has won the Bancroft Prize and the Francis Parkman Prize, as well as being a finalist for the National Book Award. He began his career as a historian deeply steeped in the methods of social sciences. However, he shifted his work to focus more on the stories of human life and brought the discipline with him toward a narrative history. He has moved many and galvanized some with his books and was also an inspiring teacher at Yale who helped shape many of the next generation of leading scholars. Professor Demos will speak with his former student, Catherine Allgor, about his work, his influences, and the scholars who are continuing his legacy.