Danielle Allen
Professor of Public Policy, James Bryant Conant University Professor
Democracy 250
Examining the evolution of American democracy and prospective pathways for democratic governance and reform on the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Democracy 250 at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation brings together research, events, and expert commentary to mark the 250th anniversary of democracy in the United States.
Drawing on insights from faculty and affiliates, this collection explores the evolution of democratic institutions, contemporary democratic challenges, and the opportunities for democratic renewal ahead.
Explore Harvard's Homepage
From training the leaders of the burgeoning nation to housing soldiers during the American Revolution, Harvard played an important role in early America.
Explore Harvard in 1776
The “Harvard in 1776” project is a public history initiative by Harvard University’s History Department that explores the university’s role in the American Revolution and commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary through research, events, and local historical storytelling.
Meet The Experts
Archon Fung
Director, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation;
Co-Director of the Program on Democracy and the Informed Public;
Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government
Alex Keyssar
Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy
Ryan Pell
Coordinator, Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation
Christina Marchand
Senior Associate Director, Center-wide Democracy Initiatives
Khalil Gibran Muhammad
Non-resident Senior Fellow, June 2025-May 2026
Stephen Richer
Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy, February 2025 - November 2025
Non-resident Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy, December 2025 - November 2026
Christine Slaughter
Research Fellow, AY2025-2026
Tova Wang
Director of Research Projects in Democratic Practice
Additional Resource
Storytelling Pathways to Civics Engagement
Watch Roadtrip Nation’s Living Civics documentary and hear from leading universal civic learning experts on the power of narrative for civic engagement.
Commentary
Allen Lab Fellow Spotlight: Why a People-Centered Approach to American Democracy Matters Now
Allen Lab Policy Fellow Christine Slaughter makes the case that democracy must be understood through people’s lived experiences and agency, not just institutions.
Feature
A Summer Reading List for America’s 250th Anniversary
On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As this milestone approaches, the team at the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation has curated a collection of books, podcasts, and events that explore the meaning and impact of the declaration from 1776 to today. Join us in revisiting the document itself, reflecting on its legacy, and considering the ongoing struggle to uphold democratic ideals.
Feature
Democracy on the Precipice?
Archon Fung on the threats to American democracy and what we can do about it.
Feature
What does it mean to have a strong multiracial democracy?
The Ash Center’s Khalil Gibran Muhammad and Archon Fung discuss how without a more robust commitment to upholding and protecting multiracial democracy, the United States won’t be able to solve its democratic backsliding.