Uncomfortable History · Civic Lessons for America

Confronting the past. Shaping the future.

A dedicated speaker series bringing rigorous, unfiltered historical perspectives to our community. We believe education requires facing uncomfortable truths.

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Upcoming Live Events

Join us September 28 and October 19 at 6 p.m. MT at Wildhorse Cinema & Arts, with virtual attendance available for the opening event.

Why Uncomfortable History?

History is often smoothed over for public consumption. The Uncomfortable History series was established to resist that urge, providing a platform for complex, nuanced, and sometimes difficult historical discussions.

Through our Fall/Winter/Spring 2026/27 season, we are bringing distinguished authors, academics, and thinkers to engage directly with topics that demand our attention.

Why Now?

We are living in an era of intense polarization where history is frequently weaponized. Our community needs a grounded, academic, and rigorous exploration of the root causes shaping contemporary society.

2026/27 Season Agenda

The topics we are exploring for the inaugural season.

The History of Voter Suppression in the U.S.

First session with Vann R. Newkirk II, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and host of Floodlines and Holy Week.

September 28, 2026 · 6 p.m. MT · Wildhorse Cinema & Arts

How Media Make Politics, and How Politics Make Media: The Long View from American History

Second session with Jake Lundberg, staff writer and in-house historian at The Atlantic.

October 19, 2026 · 6 p.m. MT · Wildhorse Cinema & Arts

White Christian Nationalism

Exploring the ideological roots of nativism, the fusion of religious identity with political extremism, and how othering has been used to define who belongs in America.

Board of Directors

The dedicated individuals steering the Uncomfortable History initiative.

  • Joella West
  • Abby Meiselman
  • Dagny McKinley
  • Ron Krall
  • Mitch Wallerstein
  • Deirdre Boyd
  • Daniel Foley