Interview: Historian David McCullough is introduced by Dean Wendy Wilkins and Professor of History David Bailey. Bailey praises McCullough for the extraordinary amount of passion he puts into his writing. McCullough commences his lecture by talking about a trip he took to England to see its historical gardens that were created in the eighteenth century, and correlate with his book about Adams and Jefferson. He describes the grandeur of these gardens and gives some of the history behind them, as well as behind Adam's and Jefferson's trip there. McCullough stresses the importance of understanding history in order to understand ourselves and our society today. Many people take history and the struggles of the past for granted. However, the historian believes there is a resurgence in society's interest in the past. McCullough explains the beginning of his fascination with history. He shares an experiment performed at Harvard by ground-breaking historian Louie Agassi that compares looking at a fish to uncovering history. McCullough explains the need for experiencing and understanding the feelings of the past. Such understanding can be achieved through studying parts of history such as the personal letters of important figures, like Adams and Truman. Although these people lived in a different time, they are connected to us through their humanity and the wish of a greater future for the United States.