Join us for a lecture with Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Hillsdale College and Dean of the Van Andel Gradate School of Government, for a lecture on his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration. 

Published just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the book recovers the deep roots of the Declaration of Independence by examining the influence of the Greeks and Romans, the Christian West, and the English constitutional tradition on the American mind. Reading through the Declaration clause by clause, he explores the rich history and profound significance of the document’s powerful language and arguments—from the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” “all men are created equal,” and the “pursuit of happiness” to “prudence will dictate” and “abuses and usurpations.” Based on extensive, original research, the work presents in vivid detail the heroic deeds of those who pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” to support the Declaration.

This will be the first event back in our newly renovated campus facilities--please join us to mark this momentous occasion!

Doors Open at 6:00

Event Begins at 6:30

Reception to Follow.

Matthew Spalding is the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government at Hillsdale College and the Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., campus. As Vice President for Washington Operations, he also oversees the Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship and the academic and educational programs of Hillsdale in the nation’s capital.

He is  author or editor of several books including We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future; A Sacred Union of Citizens: Washington’s Farewell Address and the American Character; Patriot Sage: George Washington and the American Political Tradition; and The Founders’ Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders & Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding.

He received his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in government from the Claremont Graduate School. In addition to teaching at Hillsdale, he has taught at George Mason University, the Catholic University of America, and Claremont McKenna College.