Declaration of Independence discussed by Burns, Lepore and historians

A public roundtable at Retreat Farm on May 7 will bring Jill Lepore, Ken Burns and historians Christopher Brown, Maya Jasanoff and Jane Kamensky to discuss the origins and legacy of the Declaration of Independence as part of the America at 250 series.

Retreat Farm will host a public roundtable on May 7 to discuss the Declaration of Independence. Jill Lepore will moderate a panel that includes filmmaker Ken Burns and historians Christopher Brown, Maya Jasanoff and Jane Kamensky. The event is part of America at 250, a four‑part community conversation presented by Retreat Farm with Vermont Public and the Vermont Community Foundation. The program brings national scholars and a documentary filmmaker into a local setting to explore the document's origins, meaning, and legacy. Event details: - Date and location: May 7 at Retreat Farm's Farmhouse Square, held outdoors. - Panelists: Moderator Jill Lepore with Ken Burns, Christopher Brown, Maya Jasanoff and Jane Kamensky. - Schedule and format: Gates open at 5 p.m.; local band The Rear Defrosters will open the evening at 5, and the panel begins at 6. A covered tent will provide shelter. - Amenities: Food will be available from Anon's Thai Cuisine, RVQ Smokehouse, Letty's Besitos Authentic Tacos, and Vernon Creamie; organizers said attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and camp chairs. - Tickets: General admission is $7 in advance and $9 at the gate, and tickets and additional information are available on the event page. Summary: The program brings well-known historians and a veteran filmmaker into a community setting to reflect on the nation's founding document. It is part of a multi-event series leading up to the United States' 250th anniversary, and upcoming gatherings will continue the series' focus on history, identity, and local voices.