From democracy and history to the American Dream and leadership, our 2026 season brought compelling voices — and memorable conversations — to Cape Cod.
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Harvard professor, democracy advocate and acclaimed author Danielle Allen explored the enduring connections between the American Revolution, democracy and civic life. Drawing from her book The Radical Duke, she brought history into sharp focus for today’s moment and challenged us to consider what America’s founding ideals mean now.
Financier, philanthropist, author and historian David Rubenstein delivered the inaugural David R. Gergen Address, reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, America’s founding principles and the enduring call to leadership and public service as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Emmy Award–winning producer, entrepreneur and global business leader David McCourt joined us for a thought-provoking exploration of the American Dream. Drawing from his PBS documentary Amerigo: The Search for the American Dream, he shared what he discovered traveling the country and talking with Americans about opportunity, community and the future.
Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens closed our 2026 season with a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, teamwork and sustained excellence. From Butler’s remarkable NCAA tournament runs to the Celtics sidelines and front office, Stevens shared lessons on building winning teams and bringing out the best in people.
Heyward is the former President of CBS News and a nationally recognized expert on the changing media landscape. He took the stage to discuss the political, economic, and cultural threats facing trustworthy journalism and what we can do to ensure that it not only survives, but thrives.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Midnight in Moscow, John Sullivan's career spans four decades in public service in prominent diplomatic and legal positions under five US presidents. In June, he spoke candidly about 'the real' Vladimir Putin, the war in Ukraine, and why it should matter deeply to Americans,
These longtime Washington journalists (The New York Times, The New Yorker) have written about the intersection of government, politics, and the world for decades. They are most recently authors of The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 and The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III, both New York Times bestsellers.
Author of The Great Displacement, Jake joined us for a hopeful conversation on how climate change is reshaping communities, including our own. He is a staff writer for the climate news site The Grist, whose reporting also has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and other national publications. He was joined by Dan Wolf, Paul Niedzwiecki and Kristy Senatori who discussed local solutions, resilience, and the actions we can take now to protect our coast and our communities.
Jonathan Zittrain, an internationally renowned internet expert and a professor of law, computer science, and public policy at Harvard University, tackled the complex and challenging world of Artificial Intelligence.. Zittrain was the inaugural speaker of our series.
Just weeks before the 2024 presidential election, Steven Levitsky, the Harvard University professor who is a leading expert on democracy and authoritarianism and a New York Times best-selling author, spoke about the threats to democracy around the globe and here at home.
David McCourt to Explore How the American Dream is Changing
David Rubenstein to Headline Cape Cod Speaker Series
August Program Feature Top Political and Climate Voices
Ambassador John Sullivan on June 25
Johnathan Zittrain on August 13
The Point: Political journalists chronicle Trump's presidency
Former CBS News Chief to host Journalism Talk
The Point: The Changing Media Landscape
Spring Speaker Series brings former CBS President to 4Cs
Best Bet: Figuring out what fuels threats to democracy with expert speaker Steven Levitsky
The Point: A Call to reform antiquated U.S. political institutions
Troy's Take: Focusing on Intellectual Energy on Our Peninsula
New Cape Cod Speaker Series' Launching in August
Lawrence Brown: Celebrating a New Initiative to Bring National Speakers to Cape Cod
Cape Cod Speaker Series Launches Annual David R. Gergen Address to be Delivered By David Rubenstein
2026 Season Lineup, Featuring National Voices in Leadership, Democracy, History and Sports
August Program Feature Top Political and Climate Voices
Ambassador John Sullivan on June 25
Jonathan Zittrain on August 13
After an introduction from the series moderator, there will be a 45 minute speaker presentation followed by a Q&A session with audience submitted questions.
No. The events are only available to in-person attendees.
Yes, questions may be written on the note cards during the presentation. The note cards will be picked up by ushers and passed to the moderator. Although time may be limited, many questions from the audience will be covered during the Q&A period.
Yes, all attendees who’ve submitted an email address will receive an end of the season survey.
No. Speaker contracts allow for dissemination of presentation for limited educational purposes only.
The Cape Cod Speaker Series, Inc. (CCSS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by local residents dedicated to bringing diverse voices, cultural opportunities and educational support to Cape Cod.
The CCSS hosts nationally recognized experts, inspiring thought leaders and prominent personalities to address challenging issues, share entertaining topics and stimulate conversation. Speakers offer their perspectives on a range of subjects from global affairs to the media, the environment, politics, history, science, the arts and culture. Through these programs we strive to build understanding and respect for differing points of view and experiences in our community.
At the end of each calendar year (CCSS fiscal year) and after setting aside funds for future operations, a percentage of revenue from ticket sales is donated to Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation to be used as financial aid for students.
Please contact us with any queries you have regarding speakers, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships or other ways to partner with CCSS.
