As Americans celebrated the 4th of July, so too did the Obama Institute.

Festivities began at noon with a lecture by Dr. David Sirakov, Director of the Atlantic Academy.

Faculty and students were at hand in the afternoon to answer questions about posters showcasing the varied research projects of the institute.

In the evening, Prof. Philipp Gassert, President of the German Association of American Studies and Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Mannheim gave his lecture “A Time for Optimism: Doing American Studies in an Era of Global Transformations.”

Afterward, a reception provided ample opportunity to continue discussions over a glass of wine.