Donate

Speaker Programs

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.

Watch on YouTube

Upcoming programs

Program Filters
Civil War Round Table

Civil War Round Table: 19th Century Philadelphia: War, Reform, and Citizenship

Join us for this special program that includes the viewing of a documentary on Philadelphia’s 19th-century history, including the League’s founding and the fight for Union and reform, with commentary by Executive Producer Sam Katz, Historical Consultant Jim Mundy, and moderated by Founding Forward Senior Advisor John Meko. 

May 27, 2026
The Union League of Philadelphia
Learn More
Learn more about the Civil War Round Table: 19th Century Philadelphia: War, Reform, and Citizenship program
Public Affairs

New Date: Public Affairs: State of the Nation with Andrew C. McCarthy

Please note – this program was previously scheduled for February 24, 2026, but was rescheduled to June 1, 2026, due to inclement weather. Join Founding Forward for a conversation with Andrew McCarthy on the state of the nation and American politics. Topics will include national security, lawfare, and terrorism. 

June 1, 2026
The Union League of Philadelphia
Learn More
Learn more about the New Date: Public Affairs: State of the Nation with Andrew C. McCarthy program
Library Hour

Library Hour: A New View of Women’s Suffrage

Lisa Tetrault dispels myths about the Nineteenth Amendment, including the claim that it guaranteed a right to vote, while highlighting what the suffrage movement did accomplish.  

June 16, 2026
Union League Liberty Hill
Learn More
Learn more about the Library Hour: A New View of Women’s Suffrage program
Civil War Round Table

Civil War Round Table: Lincoln & the American Revolution

Join us as Dr. Allen Guelzo discusses Abraham Lincoln and his reverence for the Declaration of Independence as the foundation of American identity.

June 24, 2026
Union League Liberty Hill
Learn More
Learn more about the Civil War Round Table: Lincoln & the American Revolution program
Library Hour

Library Hour: Meet Mark Twain

Writer and reenactor Mark Dawidziak portrays Mark Twain, the witty and controversial father of American literature who shocked and delighted the 19th century. 

June 29, 2026
The Union League of Philadelphia
Learn More
Learn more about the Library Hour: Meet Mark Twain program
Library Hour

Library Hour: Love of Country Leads with Medal of Honor recipient Dwight W. Birdwell

Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell shares his story on how he became the 33rd Native American soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for “acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” for his heroic actions in Vietnam.  

July 6, 2026
Valley Forge Campus
Learn More
Learn more about the Library Hour: Love of Country Leads with Medal of Honor recipient Dwight W. Birdwell program
View Past Speaker Programs

About our speaker programs

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.

Civil War Round Table

Understanding the war that created a “New Birth of Freedom”
The Civil War Round Table provides programs (primarily lectures) about the American Civil War. This includes the political, social, and military aspects of the war, with a focus on Philadelphia and the Union League’s important role in the war.

The Jack M. Templeton Liberty Series

Cultivating an understanding of the principles of liberty

The Liberty Series focuses on the principle of individual liberty, including economic, political, historical, and philosophical. Formats are usually lectures or moderated discussions. This speaker series was named in 2017 after renowned benefactor and philanthropist Jack M. Templeton, to honor his legacy and love of continuing the discussion on these important concepts.

Public Affairs

An informed citizenry is essential to our federal democracy

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.

Library Hour

Educating and inspiring through humanities-based programs
Library Hours are humanities-based programs that focus on a variety of topics including history, art, architecture, science, and travel. These programs focus on authors and recently published books.

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders

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.

Donate Now