Through our speaker programs, scholars, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders share their perspectives on current events, the Constitution, liberty and individual freedom, free enterprise, American history, and other interesting and timely topics. Speakers explore America’s founding ideals, history, and direction forward. Programs are presented in-person, typically at one of The Union League’s locations, and are also streamed online. These programs provide a great outlet for the adult learner who wants to engage and learn more.
Energy experts discuss the importance and challenges of securing long-term energy security, particularly in the face of geopolitical challenges, increasing global demand, and the politics of climate science.
One a US Army lifer and the other a legendary Wall Street Lawyer, combined their talents, integrity, and work ethic first prepare America for World War II (as Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of War) and then win it.
Lincoln Prize-winning historian and League member Allen Guelzo shares his intimate study of Abraham Lincoln’s views on democracy, giving us a deeper understanding of this endlessly fascinating man and showing how his ideas are still relevant more than 150 years later.
Join author Sonia Purnell to discover the historic legacy of Pamela Harriman, Churchill’s daughter-in-law and diplomatic “secret weapon” who also served as U.S. Ambassador to France during the Clinton administration.
Join award-winning author Candice Shy Hooper to learn about Civil War postal agent Absalom Markland, the man who sustained the morale of the Union Army by transporting countless letters between soldiers and their families.
Join us for a discussion on new precedents set by major Supreme Court rulings in 2023-2024.
Speaker programs are presented in four speaker series, Civil War Round Table, The Jack M. Templeton Liberty Series, Library Hour, Public Affairs, and Royal Oak. We host a couple dozen programs each year. Read more below to learn about the different series. Our upcoming speaker programs are highlighted below but visit our calendar to see more. Programs can also be viewed on Founding Forward’s YouTube channel.
Cultivating an understanding of the principles of liberty
Public Affairs examines contemporary issues to provide a better understanding of new technologies, business development, international affairs, or cultural and political concerns. Speakers are experts in their field, often practitioners at the highest levels. Formats are usually lectures or moderated discussions.
Royal Oak is a speaker program organized in partnership with a Royal Oak Foundation. The Royal Oak Foundation seeks to raise awareness of and advance the work of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland by inspiring support from the United States for the Trust’s efforts to preserve and protect historic places and spaces—for ever, for everyone.
Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.
Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. The mission and work of Founding Forward is made possible through voluntary contributions.