Timothy Sandefur joins to discuss his new book, Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence, a fast-paced intellectual history that traces how John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and their contemporaries transformed centuries of political thought into the revolutionary principles of the Declaration of Independence—and why those principles still matter today. Blending biography, political thought, and legal history, Proclaiming Liberty traces the Declaration’s legacy through the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, and the modern age, documenting how its principles have continued to challenge tyranny, refute relativism, and inspire movements for justice. Julie Silverbrook, the chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
We invite you to be part of the conversation by submitting questions for the author via email at [email protected].
About the Author
Timothy Sandefur is vice president for legal affairs at the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation where he holds the Clarence J. and Katherine P. Duncan Chair in Constitutional Government. He is the author of 10 books on a variety of subjects, including most recently Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence (2026).
About NCC Book Clubs
This event is part of the National Constitution Center’s Book Club series, which invites Americans of all ages to engage with works by leading scholars and thinkers exploring the Constitution, American history, and the ideas that shape our constitutional democracy. Through conversations with authors representing a range of perspectives, the series encourages thoughtful discussion grounded in primary sources and constitutional principles. The Center convenes these conversations as a forum for learning and dialogue. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Constitution Center. Programs are offered both virtually and in person at the Center in Philadelphia.
Purchase the book: Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence
