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Nicole Penn

Nicole Penn

Nicole Penn, a member of the editorial board of American Purpose, is program manager for social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

Prior to this role, she served as a research assistant for AEI senior fellow Lynne Cheney, supporting Cheney’s research on the Virginia dynasty during the American Revolution and early Republic. Ms. Penn also previously served as an editorial apprentice at the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture.

Articles and Events

What Women Want—and Men Need

What Women Want—and Men Need

Men and women enjoy unprecedented freedom when it comes to society’s views on sex and gender—which might be a problem. Two new books explore the challenges facing the sexes today.

Nicole Penn
Frederick Douglass' Perfect Pitch
Art

Frederick Douglass' Perfect Pitch

Despite the scorn heaped upon “Founders Chic” after the musical Hamilton, we need more art dedicated to Frederick Douglass’ life and message.

Nicole Penn
Choking on Our Feeds
Books

Choking on Our Feeds

Twenty years ago, M.T. Anderson's Feed presaged today's combustable combination of adolescence, desire, and social media.

Nicole Penn
Teapots and Tempests
Books

Teapots and Tempests

With all the discord and divergent experiences in American history, a recognizable and cohesive storyline based in ideals remains.

Nicole Penn

December 16, 2021: "How Museums Preserve Diverse Memories." A conversation with Sara Bon-Harper and Rob Havers, moderated by Nicole Penn

Join us on December 16, 2021 for a conversation with Sara Bon-Harper and Rob Havers on "How Museums Preserve Diverse Memories." Moderated by Nicole Penn. Sara Bon-Harper is the executive director of James Monroe's Highland in Albemarle County, Virginia, focusing on strategic vision and museum leadership at the historic site.

Nicole Penn
Jesus and John Wayne
Books

Jesus and John Wayne

Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez explores sources of today’s White Christian nationalism.

Nicole Penn

Continuing Liberty conference, September 20-22, 2021: "A House Divided? Polarization Post-Trump" with Daniel Cox, William A. Galston, William Kristol, Nicole Penn, Luke Nathan Phillips, and John Wood, Jr. In association with Braver Angels

Part of the Continuing Liberty [https://www.americanpurpose.com/continuing-liberty/] conference. 2:00 p.m.—3:15 p.m. ET A House Divided? Polarization Post-Trump In association with Braver Angels DANIEL COX, Survey Center on American Life and American Enterprise Institute William A. Galston, Brookings Institution and American Purpose William

American Purpose, William A. Galston, Nicole Penn
Beats of Optimism
Music

Beats of Optimism

The music of an early 20th-century composer and that of a modern rapper seem worlds apart, but they are linked in how they convey the Black American experience.

Nicole Penn