American Sun Rising explores the people, movements, ideas, organizations, and cultures that have shaped—and continue to shape—American life.

The primary focus is on contemporary America and on movements that are actively influencing our society, culture, institutions, and national conversation. Earlier movements and influences are also examined where they provide historical context for understanding the forces at work today.

Each subject is presented through its history, principles, goals, culture, and the perspectives of the people involved. Rather than reducing movements to labels or viewing them only from the outside, American Sun Rising seeks to understand what their participants believe, what they value, what they hope to accomplish, and how they envision their place in America.

The name American Sun Rising reflects the belief that America is not standing still. Change is already underway, new ideas and movements are emerging, and people across the country are working to shape what comes next. This project explores those currents—past and present—and the ways they are contributing to an America in transition.

American Sun Rising is a continuing project. New people, movements, organizations, ideas, and historical material will be added as the site develops. What you see here is not intended to be a finished record, but a growing exploration of the forces shaping America today.