A high-profile HistoryTalks celebration at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia was held on Saturday, April 18, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Organized by the History Channel in partnership with Comcast, the event brought together former U.S. presidents and notable celebrities for a day of panel discussions and tributes.
Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were present, along with former first lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, athletes like Tom Brady, and entertainers like Nicole Kidman and Delaware County native Tina Fey. The gathering was intended to offer a hopeful yet realistic look at America’s past, present, and future, stressing shared principles and the ongoing effort toward a more perfect union.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the conversations were moderated by actor Ted Danson, former Saturday Night Live cast member Kate McKinnon, former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce, TODAY show hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb, TV Guide magazine’s Damian Holbrook, and On Purpose podcast host Jay Shetty.
“At the heart of our democratic project is not just policy, but it’s a set of moral commitments. It’s a set of values and ethical norms,” Obama said during his interview with historian Jon Meacham.
Former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce interviewed Tom Brady, the former New England Patriots quarterback, during an off-the-record comment period.
Joe Biden and his wife Jill detailed their family history during an interview with author and podcast host Jay Shetty.
Michelle Obama spoke with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin about how she tried to give her daughters, Malia and Sasha, as normal a childhood as possible during their family’s stay in The White House. “I tried to make the whole president thing go away when we were in their world,” she said.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Fey cherished the time she lived in Philadelphia during the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. “It was the most exciting time. If I could purchase and move into Betsy Ross’ House — that’s so my core identity,” she said.