Lessons from the Past: The In Pursuit Project - A 250th-Anniversary Series on American Presidents and First Ladies
The In Pursuit project, a 250th-anniversary series, features essays by former presidents, historians, and authors about American presidents and first ladies. The project aims to provide lessons from the past 250 years of American history to help plan for the present and future. The essays cover 43 presidents and 30 first ladies, excluding Joe Biden and Donald Trump due to their recent terms in office. The contributors were instructed to avoid partisanship and ideology to make the lessons accessible to all Americans.
George W. Bush's essay on George Washington highlights the first president's humility in relinquishing power, setting a standard for future presidents. Retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal's essay on Ulysses S. Grant emphasizes the importance of choosing law over loyalty in leadership. Other contributors, such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, delve into the accomplishments and failures of past presidents, offering a nuanced view of history.
The In Pursuit project features a diverse group of contributors, including Chief Justice John Roberts, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Karl Rove, Ken Burns, and Michael Beschloss. The project is organized by More Perfect, a nonpartisan alliance dedicated to advancing democracy. Colleen Shogan, the project curator and former U.S. archivist, was fired by Trump without explanation in 2025. The project has garnered significant public interest, indicating a desire for history free from partisanship.
The essays in the In Pursuit project shed light on lesser-known presidents like Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce, offering new perspectives on their legacies. The project has received over 1 million views on Substack and significant engagement on other platforms. A documentary about the series is set to air on PBS in October, further expanding its reach and impact. The project's success underscores the value of learning from history to navigate the challenges of the present and future.