Past Speaker Programs

Please note that registrations have closed for this event due to reaching capacity. As part of the 250th celebrations, Michael Auslin tells the story of the Declaration from its drafting to the present, inspiring disparate movements and uniting Americans around a vision of freedom and equality. 

Please note that registrations have closed for this event due to reaching capacity. As part of the 250th celebrations, Michael Auslin tells the story of the Declaration from its drafting to the present, inspiring disparate movements and uniting Americans around a vision of freedom and equality. 

Matthew Spalding recounts the story of the Declaration of Independence, America’s common creed of civic life, and the deep roots it has in the Western intellectual tradition.  

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.  

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

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

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.  

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.