Democracy At 250: Rubenstein, Mitchell To Discuss America's Founding Ideals

The conversation in Annapolis will explore the resilience of the country's founding principles.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and Historic Annapolis will host a special public conversation on April 12, 2026 featuring David M. Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, and NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell. The event, titled "The American Experiment: Democracy at 250", will explore how the nation's foundational principles have been documented, interpreted, and preserved over time as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th year, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on the enduring ideals of American democracy and how they continue to shape the country's political and social landscape. The conversation between Rubenstein and Mitchell will draw on history, storytelling, and firsthand experience to examine the resilience of the founding principles.

The details

The event is part of the national lead-up to America's 250th anniversary and will feature Rubenstein and Mitchell discussing the nation's foundational principles and their relevance today. Rubenstein is known for his work in philanthropy and historic preservation, as well as his career in finance, while Mitchell is an NBC News national and foreign affairs correspondent with extensive experience covering presidential administrations, campaigns, Congress, and international affairs.

  • The American Experiment: Democracy at 250 is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

The players

David M. Rubenstein

Co-founder of The Carlyle Group, known for his work in philanthropy and historic preservation.

Andrea Mitchell

NBC News national and foreign affairs correspondent, with extensive experience covering presidential administrations, campaigns, Congress, and international affairs.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

A partner organization hosting the event.

Historic Annapolis

A partner organization hosting the event.

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What they’re saying

“It is a great privilege to welcome David Rubenstein and Andrea Mitchell to Annapolis. As we begin our celebration of America's 250th anniversary, we are honored to partner with Maryland Hall to present this unique conversation that explores the resilience of our founding ideals and celebrates the true spirit of the American experiment.”

— Karen Brown, President & CEO of Historic Annapolis (eyeonannapolis.net)

“Maryland Hall is proud to partner with Historic Annapolis to present The American Experiment: Democracy at 250, featuring David Rubenstein and Andrea Mitchell. Together, their perspectives remind us that democracy is not static—it is an ongoing experiment requiring curiosity, dialogue, and civic imagination. This program affirms Maryland Hall's belief that the arts help sustain a healthy democracy by fostering reflection and a deeper understanding of the principles on which our nation was founded.”

— Jackie Coleman, Executive Director of Maryland Hall (eyeonannapolis.net)

What’s next

Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance.

The takeaway

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on the enduring ideals of American democracy and how they continue to shape the country's political and social landscape. The conversation between Rubenstein and Mitchell will draw on history, storytelling, and firsthand experience to examine the resilience of the founding principles and their ongoing relevance.