This Constitution Day, join the National Constitution Center for a conversation exploring the lives and legacies of four influential yet often overlooked founders: John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson. These “forgotten founders” played critical roles in drafting the Constitution, shaping the structure of the new government, and securing the document’s ratification. Carol Berkin, author of the National Constitution Center’s definitive short biographies of all 56 signers; Jane E. Calvert, author of Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson; Scott S. Greenberger, author of The Forsaken Founder: Gouverneur Morris, the Unsung Patriot Who Wrote the Constitution, Stood Up to Slavery, and Survived the Reign of Terror; and Jesse Wegman, author of The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution, explore how these remarkable founders shaped the Constitution and why their ideas continue to resonate in American civic life today.
Before the program, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., guests joining us at the Center will enjoy exclusive access to our two new permanent galleries, Governing the Nation and America’s Founding.
After the program, all four panelists will participate in a joint book signing. The panelists' latest books will be available for purchase in the National Constitution Center's Museum Store.
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