Founders Fireside Chat | 23 June

To mark 25 years of Creative Commons, this special founders fireside chat brings together Lawrence Lessig, Hal Abelson, and Molly Van Houweling, in conversation with moderator Glenn O. Brown Together, they’ll go beyond the official history to share what it actually felt like to build Creative Commons in its earliest days. Hear about the uncertainty, the debates, and the moments that made them believe this idea could reshape how the world shares knowledge and creativity. Over 90 minutes, this conversation will trace the arc of the commons: from its origins as a bold experiment in open licensing to its role today as essential infrastructure for culture, education, science, and the global exchange of ideas. Along the way, panelists will reflect on pivotal turning points, unexpected successes, and the tensions that have shaped the movement.