US Ambassador visits Cambridge as University launches new centre for the study of America

“US Ambassador visits Cambridge as University launches new centre for the study of America Jessica Keating Tue, 06/02/2026 - 11:42 Held at the Ray Dolby Centre, ‘ The United States of America at 250: Reflections on the past, present, and future of independence ’ brought together academics, journalists, artists and public figures to examine the origins, legacies and continuing significance of one of the world's most influential political documents. The event also marked the launch of the Centre for the United States of America at Cambridge (CUSAC), a new interdisciplinary initiative that will serve as Cambridge's intellectual home for research and teaching on the United States. In his remarks, Ambassador Stephens reflected on the continuing relevance of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after its signing and highlighted the University's longstanding connections with American history. He described the United States as "a nation built not on geography, conquest, or cultural ties, but on ideas, beliefs, and documents" and noted that three signatories of the Declaration studied at Cambridge. He also congratulated the University on the launch of CUSAC and on 25 years of Cambridge in America. The day-long programme explored a range of themes connected to the Declaration and its legacy. Sessions examined why the Declaration of Independence was significant in its own historical moment, how its ideas shaped the United States and the wider world, and whether it continues to matter today. Speakers included historians Zara Anishanslin, David Armitage, Martha Jones and Emma Stone Mackinnon; journalists Jamelle Bouie and Gillian Tett (Provost of King's College); US politician Jared Golden; and former US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey who also gave a reading and had a discussion with Kasia Boddy, Professor of American Literature at Cambridge. The event was organised by the Cambridge US Studies Network , which brings together more than 50 scholars from across the University working on topics relating to the United States. In a welcome message published in the event programme, the co-convenors highlighted the long relationship between Cambridge and America. They noted that Cambridge-educated Puritans helped establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 and that three graduates of the University went on to sign the Declaration of Independence. The programme also outlined future plans for the new Centre for the United States of America at Cambridge, which aims to establish a permanent, endowed home for interdisciplinary US studies at the University. CUSAC will support research, teaching and public engagement on the United States across a wide range of disciplines. Bringing together scholars from the humanities, social sciences and beyond, the centre will examine the United States both "in the world and from the world", providing opportunities for international collaboration and exchange. Fundraising for the centre will support its establishment and growth, including academic posts, studentships, fellowships, and public programmes designed to connect University research with wider public and policy discussions. Organisers said the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the history of the United States, but also to deepen understanding of its institutions, culture and global influence through research, teaching and public dialogue. The event forms part of wider commemorations leading up to July 2026, when the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Photography credit: U.S. Embassy Yes Licence type Attribution

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