The College of Humanities and Sciences commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a series of events throughout 2026.
Speakers with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds from CHS and the community will explore the original ideals from the time of the founders as well as the state of U.S. Democracy in modern America.
250 Celebration Events
Continuity and Change: Navigating the New Virginia Voter
Thursday, February 5
4-5:30 p.m.
Commons Theater
As Virginia solidifies its role as the nation’s political bellwether, the "rules of the game" are changing as fast as the players. Join us for an intimate chat with John C. Fortier, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and one of the country’s foremost experts on election administration and the Electoral College.
Following the historic turnout of the 2025 Virginia elections, we dive deep into the data: Is the Gen Z surge a temporary wave or a permanent realignment? From the logistics of "no-excuse" absentee voting to the philosophical debate over the Electoral College, Fortier will pull back the curtain on how the mechanics of our democracy are being tested by a new generation of voters.
The Crown's Silence
Thursday, February 5
5-7 p.m.
STEM Building, Room 202
In this lecture Dr. Brooke Newman presents from her latest book, "The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery," which examines the historical links between the British Crown and slavery from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century. She traces the extent to which British monarchs and members of the royal family invested in and defended the transatlantic trade in African captives and the expansion of colonial slavery in the Americas before pivoting to embrace anti-slavery during the age of Victoria.
Newman's work reveals how Crown involvement in slave trading and slavery evolved as the institution of the monarchy and the exercise of royal power transformed over the centuries
These additional events with Dr. Newman are planned later this spring in Richmond:
The Crown's Silence Lecture with Dr. Brooke Newman
February 25, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Wilton House Museum (215 S. Wilton Rd.)
Book Talk with Dr. Brooke Newman on "The Crown's Silence"
March 25, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
Library of Virginia (800 E. Broad St.)
U.S. Democracy at 250
Thursday, February 12
5-6:30 p.m.
STEM Building, Room 202
The United States turns 250 years old this year as the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. But are we living up to the promise of the founding of American democracy—or are we falling short?
Join a panel of VCU faculty in the College of Humanities and Sciences as they discuss the biggest questions facing our democracy right now. From voting rights to political polarization, from social media chaos to the power of protest—this is your chance to hear experts debate what is happening right now and what comes next.
Featured faculty members: Aspen Brinton (International Studies), Alix Bryan (Robertson School of Communication), Alexandria Davis (Political Science), Alex Keena (Political Science), and Bill Newmann (Political Science).
This panel will launch CHS’ series of events highlighting the role of Virginia and Virginians in the building of our country.
U.S. Democracy United/Divided
Summer 2026
Looking for a summer course?
As the United States celebrates the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this special topics course brings together faculty experts from a variety of disciplines in the College of Humanities and Sciences to lecture on topics relating to American democracy. The course examines the history of American democracy, the role of institutions, civic participation, political polarization, media influence, and issues of representation. Students will critically assess the current state of democracy and areas of unity and division in the country through readings and discussions and engage in a group research project to explore in-depth an area of American democracy and propose pathways for the future.