Two former U.S. presidents, one former first lady and noted historians, authors, academics and journalists gathered Saturday at the Academy Museum for a History Talks event that looked at moments of conflict in the nation’s past to bring perspective to the polarization of the present.

The 2010s were “a decade of indignation,” said David Brooks, New York Times political and cultural columnist. “That decade is now giving way – people want something more joyful.”

The event hosted by A+E Networks’ History Channel featured Q&As with President Barack Obama, who engaged playfully with Malcolm Gladwell, and President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. That pair opened the half-day event with a wide-ranging conversation conducted by their daughter, “Today” co-host Jenna Bush Hager.

Other speakers at included Kevin Costner, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, Kate Winslet, Nicole Avant and John Legend. The event drew a large industry crowd,...