Washington State University history faculty member Dr. Elyssa Ford joined community leaders and educators for a public discussion on the continuing legacy of the American Revolution following a special screening of PBS’s The American Revolution at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in Moscow, Idaho.
Hosted by the Latah County Historical Society, the event featured a one-hour screening from the acclaimed documentary series, followed by a panel discussion examining who was included, and excluded, in the ideals articulated by the Declaration of Independence and how those questions continue to shape American society 250 years later.
Ford, an associate professor of history at Washington State University, joined fellow panelists Gia Paul of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and University of Idaho administrator Mario Pile to explore the diverse experiences and perspectives often overlooked in traditional narratives of the American Revolution.
A social and cultural historian whose scholarship focuses on identity, gender, and sexuality in U.S. history, Ford has authored award-winning books on the history of rodeo in the American West and has published research on women’s political activism and the fight for suffrage.
The event was free and open to the public and reflected the Department of History’s ongoing commitment to engaging broad audiences in conversations about the past and its relevance to contemporary issues. Through events such as this, WSU historians continue to share their expertise beyond the classroom and foster meaningful dialogue across the region.