The Declaration and Decentralization
The Declaration and Decentralization
Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, and no document is more misunderstood and misrepresented in American history. For many Americans, the Declaration symbolizes the “proposition nation” that “all men are created equal.” But the real key to understanding the Declaration is the final paragraph which established thirteen “free and independent States.” The “compact fact” has always been the key to understanding American history. But what does this mean for the 21st century? Federalism, secession, nullification, and decentralization are constantly in the news cycle in the last year. Canadian provinces are seeking to secede; Democratic governors are thumbing their nose at the Trump administration; secession movements in Texas and California continue to receive news coverage; nullification and the 10th Amendment are dusted off in opposition to federal overreach. In other words, the living Declaration is alive and well in North America.
That won’t be the story during the celebration of the document by the establishment. You’ll be spoon fed the proposition nation myth, told that Lincoln’s version of American history is vital for “making America great again”, and that the Declaration forms the basis of American conservatism.
At least in one respect, it does, but not the way the Republican Party (or Democratic Party) would like to suggest.
We’ll review the history of the Declaration, its application, meaning, and intent, and how it impacts America today. We’ll also spend half a day in Montgomery, the “Cradle of the Confederacy”. If you’ve never toured the original capital of the Confederate States of America, visited the first “White House of the Confederacy”, or seen the star where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office, this will be a lot of fun. You can also visit Hank Williams’s grave site if you wish among other landmarks.
The conference fee covers all lectures and lunch and supper on Friday and Saturday March 20 and 21. Attire is business casual during the day. Evening meals and lectures require coat and tie for gentlemen and cocktail dresses for ladies.
Tentative Schedule–still subject to change
Thursday, March 19
3:00-5:00: Check-in
7:00-8:00: Brion McClanahan
8:00- Conviviality
Friday, March 20:
Breakfast on your own
9:00-10:15: John Devanny
10:30-11:45: M. Andrew Holowchak
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-5:00: Tour of the White House of the Confederacy and Historic Montgomery
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Daniel Miller
8:00- Conviviality
Saturday, March 21:
Breakfast on your own
9:00-10:15: Mike Maharrey
10:30-11:45: Jay Hinton
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:15: Brion McClanahan
2:30-3:45: Paul Graham
4:00-5:00: Q&A
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Don Livingston
8:00- Conviviality
Sunday, March 22:
Checkout
