Save the date for a program by Gloucester Lyceum on Saturday May 9th at Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall.

Where does democracy come from? What are its strengths? How is it challenged? What can we learn from history to sustain democratic values and institutions? In keeping with the charge of the Gloucester Lyceum to sponsor marquee events on topics of pressing importance, we hope that our Forum, Our Democracy, will inspire our city of inquiring minds and concerned citizens to address these questions.

Harvard Professor Steven Levitsky will be speaking from his work on a new book The Great Abdication: How America Lost its Democracy. His talk will argue that the United States descended into competitive authoritarianism in 2025 and 2026. It then discusses why this happened, centering on the acquiescence and retreat to the sidelines of much of the American elite. Callie Crossley, well known for her work as a local journalist and commentator, will respond to Professor Levitsky with her insights and facilitate dialogue with the audience.

Doors open at 1:30 PM - Registration required via Sawyer Free Library: CLICK HERE

The Bookstore will have books for sale at the event and in store.