John F. Kennedy: Rethinking the Camelot Myth

About the event:

Historian Alexis Coe offers a fresh, lively, and deeply researched look at John F. Kennedy. Moving beyond the familiar “Camelot” narrative, she explores how JFK constructed his public identity, how his presidency reshaped American culture, and why his story continues to captivate generations. A smart, engaging program for anyone interested in leadership and public memory.

Alexis Coe is a New York Times bestselling presidential historian, American history columnist for The New York Times, and senior fellow at the bipartisan think tank New America. Widely regarded as a leading presidential biographer of her generation, she is known for her rigorous scholarship, engaging style, and ability to bring American history to broad public audiences through books, media, and public programs. She is the author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington and the forthcoming Young Jack: A Biography of John F. Kennedy, 1917–1957, and frequently appears on major media outlets including CNN, PBS, and NPR.

Dr. Colleen Shogan served as the 11th Archivist of the United States, becoming the first woman confirmed by the Senate to lead the National Archives and Records Administration. A political scientist, author, and civic leader, she has held senior roles at the White House Historical Association, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. Senate, and is widely recognized for her commitment to expanding public access to history and strengthening civic education. She currently works with More Perfect, Stand Together, and Georgetown University and is the recipient of the American Political Science Association’s Hubert Humphrey Award for outstanding public service.

This program is made possible in part through partnership with The Leach Foundation and InPursuit an Initiative of More Perfect.