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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

What It Means to Be American: Do We Still Know How to Be Good Citizens?

Tuesday, May. 2, 2017 – Tuesday, May. 2, 2017

07:30 PM – 08:30 PM
US/Central

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Moderated by Nancy Barnes, editor and executive vice president for news, Houston Chronicle
Panelists:
• Mickey Edwards, former U.S. congressman
• Jennifer Mercieca, historian of American political rhetoric, Texas A&M University 

• Johann N. Neem, civil-society historian, Western Washington University, and author of “Creating a Nation of Joiners”
• Steven Petrow, columnist, Washington Post

Americans talk a lot about the importance of good citizenship. But what does it mean to be a good citizen? By many measures, we may be falling short. American voter turnout is low compared to other nations, and in online discussion we’re quick to attack others who disagree with our point of view. How have Americans defined and lived citizenship, past and present? Are we really less civil now than we were in previous eras?

In this panel discussion, part of the Smithsonian and Zócalo Public Square’s “What It Means to Be American” lecture series, participants consider whether it’s possible—and if, so, how—to raise American standards of citizenship.

A reception follows the program.

This program is free and open to the public! Reserve your spot in advance. Registration is available via Zócalo Public Square.

HOURS & ADMISSION

  • Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
    • Monday (Except selected holidays) | Closed.
    • Tuesday | Closed.
    • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Closed.
  • Museum Admission

    ALL ACCESS tickets provide entry to Special Exhibitions and the MFAH Permanent Collections. Purchase online or drop by any admissions desk.
    • MFAH Member  FREE
    • ALL ACCESS (Adult 19+)  $24
    • ALL ACCESS (Senior 65+ with ID)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Youth 13–18)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Child 12 & Under)  FREE
    • *Thursday MFAH Permanent Collections (All Ages)  FREE
    • *Thursday ALL ACCESS (13 & Up)  $10
    On Thursday, admission to the MFAH Permanent Collections is free for all individuals, courtesy of Shell USA, Inc. Special Exhibitions require a separate, discounted ALL ACCESS ticket.

Directions & Parking

  • Free Parking
  • Paid Parking
  • Street Parking

Special Offers / Dining

Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.

Events at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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