Skip to main content
Menu Search
Close
Tap To Search Type To Search Press Search Press Enter to Search
Audience members face a stage where a bright red TED sign glows against a dark red curtain backdrop. Audience members face a stage where a bright red TED sign glows against a dark red curtain backdrop.
Last updated on October 15, 2025

TED Democracy Philadelphia

A series of high-profile events in Philadelphia examining modern democracy ahead of America's 250th anniversary ...

Photo by Visit Philadelphia
SHARE
LinkedIn

Nearly 250 years after the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence right here in Philadelphia, we’re celebrating the city’s legacy as the birthplace of modern democracy and a blueprint for democracies across the globe in collaboration with TED Democracy. 

TED Democracy, in partnership with Visit Philadelphia, officially kicked off in July 2024, featuring a series of high-profile events over three years centered around the concepts and pillars that are essential to preserving modern democracy.

And it’s all happening right here in the City of Brotherly Love in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

Sign up for the TED Democracy Philadelphia newsletter list to stay in the know on all the latest happenings.
Event

Save 15% on Tickets to TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures

A full-day event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts exploring the evolving story of modern democracy in the city where it all started ...

View More

More About TED Democracy Philadelphia

Dear Democracy: Write a Letter to Democracy

 

A packed theater audience sits facing a brightly lit stage, where a screen reads "Welcome" alongside TED Democracy branding and colorful pillars.

Enter to Win the Dear Democracy Sweepstakes

 

Three people talk on a stage at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia during the TED Democracy Fireside Chat in 2024

TED Democracy Philadelphia: A Timeline

 

A screen shows the TED Democracy Talk in Philadelphia at a community watch party

Bring TED Democracy LIVE to Your Area: Host a Livestream Event at Your Library

 

Sign Up for TED Democracy Newsletters

Be the first to know about TED Democracy events happening right here in the birthplace of modern democracy in 2025 and 2026.

Watch: The Great Experiment Video Series

Episode 1: Road to The Vote

 

Episode 2: Civil Disobedience

 

Episode 3: People Power

 

A Note About TED Democracy

Visit Philadelphia is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city, including its role as the birthplace of modern American democracy. We are committed to making Philadelphia the most welcoming and inclusive city in the U.S. for visitors and residents.

The TED Democracy and Visit Philadelphia partnership, a series of events focusing on the future of democracy from 2024 to 2026, was created to align with the cultural conversations that will take place as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.

Our goal is to offer attendees a thought-provoking and educational experience that respects individual views and beliefs, all while honoring the spirit of dialogue our founding fathers practiced nearly 250 years ago here in Philadelphia.

Visit Philadelphia does not participate in political campaigns, nor support or oppose candidates for public office. We expressly disclaim any statement, or inference, of endorsement or opposition of any political candidate at any TED Democracy event, whether made by its speakers, participants or otherwise.

Skip to toolbar