At a moment when Americans are reflecting on 250 years of the nation’s history and looking toward its future, The Newbury of Brookline, a Kisco Signature community, welcomed acclaimed presidential historian and bestselling author Douglas Brinkley for an engaging conversation examining the moments of conflict, uncertainty and resilience that have shaped the country.
Part of The Newbury’s Red Carpet Speaker Series, the October 7 event, “American Resilience: How Great Challenges Shaped the Nation,” brought together approximately 120 members and guests for an afternoon of history, conversation and reflection. Brinkley explored defining periods in American history, from the Revolutionary era and Civil War to the civil rights movement and other national crises, and the people and ideas that helped the country navigate periods of profound change.
Brinkley is one of the nation’s most recognized historians and presidential scholars. He serves as the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University, presidential historian for the New-York Historical Society, trustee of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and contributing editor at Vanity Fair. A frequent commentator on CBS News, MSNBC and CNN, Brinkley has authored several bestselling books, six of which have been named New York Times “Notable Books of the Year.”
For members of The Newbury, the event offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the country’s leading historians and engage with the people and ideas that continue to shape the nation.
“I always look forward to these events because I leave having learned something new and feeling inspired,” said Barbara Haber, a member of The Newbury. “Having the opportunity to hear directly from people like Douglas Brinkley and ask questions is really special. I am grateful The Newbury brings experiences like this to our members and the greater Brookline community.”
Throughout the presentation, Brinkley took attendees through pivotal chapters of American history, from the nation’s founding and the Revolutionary era to the Civil War, the civil rights movement and other periods of national crisis. His remarks examined how Americans have confronted conflict, division and uncertainty throughout the country’s history, highlighting the individuals and movements that helped propel the nation forward. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Brinkley also challenged attendees to consider what those defining moments can teach Americans today.
The event is part of Kisco Senior Living’s Red Carpet Speaker Series, an ongoing program designed to bring distinguished leaders, authors, journalists, entertainers, experts and other notable voices directly to Kisco communities for meaningful conversations and one-of-a-kind experiences. For years, the series has provided members with opportunities to hear firsthand from accomplished figures across history, culture, current events, entertainment and other fields while encouraging continued learning, curiosity and connection.
Programs like the Red Carpet Speaker Series are an important part of life at The Newbury, creating opportunities for members to remain intellectually engaged, explore new perspectives and connect with one another through shared experiences. Members have the opportunity to participate in the conversation, ask questions, and engage directly with speakers whose work has helped shape their respective fields.
“Our members have lived through so many of the moments that are now part of our nation’s history, which made this conversation especially meaningful,” said Melissa Ascencio, Memory Care Director at The Newbury of Brookline. “The Red Carpet Speaker Series is about bringing extraordinary people and ideas directly to our community and creating experiences that spark curiosity, conversation and connection. Douglas gave our members an opportunity not only to revisit the past, but to think about what those lessons mean for the future.”
For more information about the Red Carpet Series, The Newbury of Brookline or to schedule a tour of the community, please visit here.
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About The Newbury of Brookline
The Newbury of Brookline, a premier Kisco Signature Community, is located on the historic grounds of Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts. This distinguished senior living community offers a refined blend of sophistication and comfort, featuring 81 independent living, 37 assisted living, and 40 memory care residences. Members enjoy premier amenities including a solar-heated indoor saltwater pool, rooftop bar, and state-of-the-art wellness center. Guided by Kisco’s Life Enrichment philosophy, The Newbury honors its storied past while providing an enriched lifestyle, a seamless continuum of care, and an experience of unmatched excellence in senior living.
