Liberty Series: The Making of the American Mind

As part of the America250 celebrations at the League, Founding Forward welcomes Matthew Spalding, the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College. Thomas Jefferson called the Declaration of Independence “an expression of the American mind.” More than a document, the Declaration is the common creed of our civic life — the poetry of our political soul. Spalding presents the dynamic story of the band of patriots who united to declare independence from the most powerful nation in the world. He recounts the whirlwind of historic events that led to the momentous political and strategic decisions of July 1776. Spalding recovers the deep roots of the Declaration of Independence by examining the influence of the Greeks and Romans, the Christian West, and the English constitutional tradition on the American mind.  

This program will be hosted in-person at the League House. Registration is required. Copies of The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence will be available for purchase. 

Reception: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm
End of Program: 7:30pm 

Streaming: Unless requested otherwise by the speaker, Founding Forward programs are streamed via YouTube. Click here to find the livestream (live at 6:30pm the day of the event). Virtual viewing does not require registration.