After5NYC - What Are They Hiding? The History of American Conspiracies

Uncover how real government secrecy, redacted files, and shadow networks built the ultimate American mythos. A Conversation on Paranoia, Power Structures, and Suspicion Join NYC history educator, Columbia scholar, and media commentator for What Are They Hiding? The History of American Conspiracies a high-energy, reality-checking journey into how shadow networks and institutional secrecy forged the modern American psyche. We will pull back the curtain on declassified dossiers to show how actual state-sanctioned secrets engineered the public distrust we live with right now. What We'll Cover: • Operation Paperclip to MKUltra: The Paper Trails of Empire Deconstruct the real, fully documented clandestine operations that blurred the line between national security, covert human testing, and sci-fi level paranoia. • From Cold War Reodern Feeds: The Architecture of FearTrace how institutional cover-ups and media feedback loops exploit human pattern recognition, turning legitimate skepticism into mass political anxiety. • Decoding Official History: Learn how to analyze primary source records like a historian, audit government classification tactics, and separate documented historical facts from viral disinformation. If you’ve ever fallen down a late-night internet rabbit hole, questioned the official record, or wondered how shadow power actually operates, you’ll walk away with an elite analytical toolkit to read between the redacted lines of American history. Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society. About The Speaker: Sari Beth Rosenberg is a well-known U.S. history teacher in New York City, with a B.A. and M.A. from Columbia University. She is recognized for connecting historical events to contemporary life, co-creating innovative educational resources, contributing to curriculum development, and is frequently featured in major media for her inclusive and engaging approach to history education. Her work blends rigorous historical analysis with real-world relevance, helping students and audiences alike understand the enduring impact of history on society today. Good to know before you come: • Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email • Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled • The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward • This is a participatory event • Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate