Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities

The 31st Annual Governor's Lecture in the Humanities

Revolutionary Ambition: America at 250

A Conversation with Nathaniel Philbrick

October 27, 2026 • Lied Center for Performing Arts • Lincoln

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, historian Nathaniel Philbrick will explore fascinating stories of the Revolutionary War. This event is part of the 2026-2027 E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues. 

Immediately prior to this program, the Sower Award in the Humanities will be presented during HN’s annual benefit dinner at Embassy Suites in Lincoln.

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of eight New York Times bestselling works of American history, including Mayflower, a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for History. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he will speak on the American Revolution, the topic of three of his books. Philbrick has appeared on various programs, including the PBS show American Experience and most recently, Ken Burns’ The American Revolution.

Resources

History of Humanities Nebraska's Governor's Lecture

In 1996, Humanities Nebraska collaborated with Governor Ben Nelson to establish the Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities, an annual event to demonstrate the importance of the humanities in public life. His successors, Governors Mike Johanns, Dave Heineman, Pete Ricketts, and Jim Pillen have continued to enthusiastically support this lecture series, which is free and open to the public. The lecture features a nationally renowned speaker and is preceded by a benefit dinner. Each year the event alternates between Lincoln and Omaha. When held in Lincoln, the Governor’s Lecture is affiliated with the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues lecture series at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. In addition to bringing a nationally recognized speaker to Nebraska and building a strong working relationship with Nebraska’s governor, the Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities increases public visibility for Humanities Nebraska and its programs and generates income for statewide humanities programs. Annually, Humanities Nebraska honors individuals, institutions, businesses and communities with the Sower Award in the Humanities for contributions to public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska, based on nominations and letters of support from the citizens of Nebraska. The Sower Award is an original bronze sculpture by Nebraska artist Sondra Dunn Mahoney.