Building a future rooted in liberty
Founding Forward, The Union League of Philadelphia, and the Union League’s America250 Committee were proud to present and celebrate the 80th annual Good Citizen Day on March 25.
Over 260 outstanding high school juniors from the Greater Philadelphia region participated in this all-day civic education program held entirely at the League House. In addition to the students, there were over 60 volunteers who helped make the day a reality, as well as more than 100 adults, including Board members, League members, past Good Citizenship Awardees, organizational partners who nominate the students, and other volunteer leaders, who joined for the all-day program and celebratory awards banquet. Get a taste of the day by viewing the images or videos below.
In this issue:
In case you missed it
Experience history where it happened
America250 events
Spring speaker programs
In case you missed it…
Benjamin Franklin Bust Unveiling
As part of the America250 celebrations at the League, Founding Forward commissioned a bronze bust of Franklin by sculptor Christopher Collins. The bust was unveiled March 31, and featured reflections from League member Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute, and Jonathan Turley, who shared insights on Franklin. Miniature versions of the bust are available for purchase; click here to order or learn more.
Over 750 student participants in 2026
We have hosted over 750 students from 11 states so far in our 2026 student program season, but we are still going with even more student programs ahead. Consider sending your student, child, or grandchild to one of these programs for an experience of a lifetime.
Experience history in the places where it happened
Students
We have several more opportunities this year for students to be immersed in history and civic education while having fun!
- July 20-24: Debate & Leadership Institute,10-12 grades
- July 26-31: Service Learning in Public Policy, 9-12 grades
- Multiple dates: Spirit of America Youth Leadership, 9-12 grades
- August 3-7: Civic Explorers Day Camp, 7-8 grades
Teachers
There are several inspiring, resource-filled, FREE professional development teacher seminars available this summer. Some seminars are already filled, so act now and apply today.
America250 Events
Below is a highlight of upcoming events and programs that have a special focus on America’s 250th. Please join us!
- Ryan Patrick Hanley will explore how Adam Smith, an Enlightenment philosopher and economist, redefined self-interest and fueled economic growth through free markets and private enterprises through the May 7.
- On May 27, we will have a special showing of In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America, Episode 5 with commentary by Executive Producer Sam Katz and League Historian Emeritus Jim Mundy.
- On June 24, Dr. Allen Guelzo will discuss Abraham Lincoln and his reverence for the Declaration of Independence.
- Join Founding Forward and the Chester County Bar Association for a moving and meaningful Naturalization Ceremony on Founding Forward’s Valley Forge campus on June 26.
Keep checking our social media and our America250 calendar of events for more details.
Spring speaker programs
We hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming speaker programs:
- April 14: Liberty Series: A Voice that Shook the USSR with Ignat Solzhenitsyn
- April 28: Civic War Round Table: Harriet Tubman as Military Spy with Edda L. Fields-Black
- May 7: Liberty Series: The Birth of Economic Freedom with Ryan Patrick Hanley
- May 27: Civil War Round Table: 19th Century Philadelphia: War, Reform, and Citizenship with Sam Katz and Jim Mundy
Check Founding Forward’s speaker program calendar to see all upcoming speaker programs.