Former Congressman Lee Hamilton, former DOJ counsel John Yoo and Emmy-winning filmmaker Ken Burns will visit Philadelphia this weekend to headline a civility forum hosted by the National Constitution Center.

The weekend-long event, entitled “Can We Talk? A Conversation About Civility and Democracy in America,” is the finale of a nationwide series seeking to “engage people in communities across the country in reflecting upon and discussing the themes of civility, democracy, and dissent,” according to a Constitution Center press announcement. 

Through presentations by a cadre of national experts, breakout sessions, and interactive workshops, the forum aims to impart an understanding of the role of public discord and protest throughout American history – as well as the extent to which civility can aid such dissent today.

“From the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement to present day debates, democratic dissent has been central to our nation’s continuing quest to form a ‘more perfect Union,’” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner.  “During this timely event, we will address ways in which people across the nation can come together to address difficult issues without impeding the vibrancy of our democracy.” 

A former Congressman from Indiana and vice chair of the 9/11 Commission, Hamilton will participate in a panel discussion of the future of civility in America, beginning Saturday morning at 10am.

Yoo, the former deputy assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice’s legal office, will participate in a breakout session focusing on the role of civility as it relates to ethics and political philosophy.

Burns, the Academy Award-nominated documentarian, will pull double duty.  He’ll host a sneak peak at his upcoming film, Prohibition (and answer questions afterwards), and participate in a Saturday afternoon breakout session regarding civility throughout American history.

The National Endowment for the Humanities provided funding for the event series, which took place earlier this month in Chicago, Los Angeles and Pullman, Washington.

Click here for more information – including the schedule of events, breakout session information and participants bios.