Acclaimed prize-winning author **David McCullough** and expert historian **Brent D. Glass**, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, discuss the importance of experiencing and preserving our essential historic sites and their stories: compelling struggles of democracy and self-government; the dramatic impact of military conflict; the powerful role of innovation and enterprise; the inspiring achievements of diverse cultural traditions; and the defining influence of the land and its resources. The book _50 Great American Places: Essential Historic Sites Across the U.S._ (2016), written by Glass with a foreword by McCullough, is a one-of-a-kind guide to fifty of these places - including Boston and sites on the Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail - that reveal a national narrative that is often surprising, sometimes tragic, and always engaging. (Photo: [Flickr/Brandon Turner](https://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonturner/8505133195 "Freedom Trail cover McCullough and Glass"), image cropped)
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