History can feel different when you have the opportunity to hear directly from the person who spent years studying it.

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Casper-area readers will have that opportunity as the Natrona County Library's Beyond the Pages virtual author series welcomes award-winning historian and bestselling author David O. Stewart for a conversation about his book, The Democracy We Must Keep.

The online program begins at 12:00 p.m. MDT and gives participants a chance to listen to Stewart discuss the people, documents and ideas explored in his latest work.

With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, Stewart's book looks back at the country's early experiment in self-government through nine important documents and the founders connected to them.

Rather than treating those historical moments as something confined to the past, the conversation offers an opportunity to consider how ideas surrounding government, individual rights, leadership and self-government have continued to influence the country.

For local readers, the virtual format makes the program especially easy to join.

There is no need to travel to a venue or rearrange an entire afternoon. Participants can register ahead of time, receive the event information by email and join the conversation from home when the program begins.

And this isn't simply a presentation to watch.

The Beyond the Pages format includes a live Q&A, giving participants an opportunity to submit questions and become part of the conversation with the featured author.

That can make a virtual author event feel much more personal. Instead of simply reading about a writer's work, attendees get to hear the author's thoughts, experiences and perspectives directly.

Stewart brings a long career in historical writing to the discussion. He is the author of eleven works of history and historical fiction, with books examining significant people and moments throughout American history. In 2023, he received the Washington Independent Review of Books Lifetime Achievement Award.

His appearance is part of Beyond the Pages, a virtual series designed to connect readers with authors through conversations about their books and creative journeys.

Each program offers something a little different depending on the featured writer, but the idea remains simple: bring good conversations about books and ideas directly to readers.

For someone who has already read The Democracy We Must Keep, Tuesday's program could provide another perspective on the book and its themes.

For someone who hasn't read it yet, it could be an opportunity to discover a new author and learn what inspired the work before deciding whether to pick up a copy.

And for anyone who simply enjoys history, the discussion offers a chance to spend an hour exploring some of the documents and debates that helped shape the United States.

You don't have to be a history expert to join the conversation.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity.

Beyond the Pages with David O. Stewart will take place online at 12:00 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Registration is required, and participants will receive the event link and joining instructions after registering. For more information, the Natrona County Library can be reached at 577-7323.

Whether you're already familiar with Stewart's work or discovering him for the first time, this virtual conversation offers Casper readers an easy way to step into a discussion about history, democracy and the ideas that continue to shape the country.

All from the comfort of home.

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Photo credits: Natrona County Library