The Civil War celebrated its sesquicentennial, or a commemoration of 150 years since the Civil War, from 2011-2015. In those four years from 2011-2015, historians and public intellectuals of all types debates the meanings and lessons of the Civil War.
However, 2017-2027 will be the 150th sesquicentennial commemoration of Reconstruction (1867-1877). Often people use commemorations and anniversaries to think back and reflect upon historical events and draw connections to where we are today.So I ask you: What lessons–historical or contemporary—can we learn from or apply today during the 150th sesquicentennial of Reconstruction? Also, what should we–as students and scholars of history–stress about this iconic era?