Abbeville Institute

Abbeville Institute 20th Anniversary Celebration
2023-04-13 - 2023-04-16 | Callaway Gardens, 4500 Southern Pine Drive, Pine Mountain, GA, 31822, United States
Join Us to Celebrate 20 Years of the Abbeville Institute!
The Abbeville Institute was founded in 2002 in order to explore what is true and valuable in the Southern tradition. In that time, many of our students have received advanced degrees, our affiliated scholars have written dozens of books, while our educational programs have reached millions of people around the globe. We have much to celebrate as an organization, but little did we know in 2002 that the culture, traditions, symbols, and history of the South would become the main focus of the current culture war. What does the Southern tradition mean for the 21st century? What value can modern Americans find in the American South?
Join us at beautiful Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA for fellowship, celebration, and answers to these questions. Callaway Gardens embodies the spirit of the Southern tradition. With 2500 private acres of nature, walking, hiking, and biking trails, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly center, the rustic Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel with beautiful stained glass and a working pipe organ, Robin Lake Beach, world class golf, and exquisite Southern gardens, Callaway Gardens is a destination that combines the best elements of the South. The azaleas will be blooming in April, making the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl one of the highlights of the property.
We will spend time in the gardens along with first class lectures and Southern fellowship.
The $400 conference fee covers all lectures, a reception on Thursday, April 13, and lunch and supper on April 14 and 15 along with all day refreshments and snacks.
Final Schedule:
Thursday, April 13:
3:00-5:00: Check-in
5:00-6:30: Supper on your own
6:30-7:30: Reception
7:30-8:30: Bill Wilson: “Thomas Jefferson: University Founder and Virginia Rebel”
8:30- Conviviality
Friday, April 14:
7:00-4:00: Breakfast and Afternoon “Break” Provided
9:00-10:00: Brion McClanahan: “Continuity and the Southern Tradition”
10:00-11:00: Bill Watkins: “Taming the Administrative State: Ideas from the Southern Tradition”
11:00-12:00: Tom Daniel: “Southern Music and the Digital Death Sentence of the 21st Century”
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: Brad Green: “Partial and Intriguing Victories: The Southern Tradition in the 21st Century”
2:00-3:00: Clyde Wilson: “Memory, Imagination, and Reason—the Southern Tradition in a Declining American Empire”
3:00-4:30: Michael Givens: “This Happy Land”
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Paul Gottfried: “Can Southern Conservatism Survive?”
8:00- Conviviality
Saturday, April 15:
Breakfast on your own
9:00-12:00: Time in the Gardens
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: Jeff Rogers: “Reflections on Southern Identity in the 21st Century”
2:00-3:00: Carey Roberts: “Lost in Acres of Insanity”
3:00-4:00: Twenty Years of the Abbeville Institute Special Presentation
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Don Livingston: “Will the Stone the Builders Rejected become the Cornerstone?”
8:00- Conviviality
Sunday, April 16:
Checkout
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is a certified four diamond hotel with an award winning restaurant. Guests to the event are encouraged to make room reservations as soon as possible. You can reserve a room by calling 855-706-4317. Room rates are $229 plus $30 resort fee and taxes per night. Guests have access to the Gardens.
Registration is now closed.

Virginia First--The 1607 Project
2024-02-16 - 2024-02-18 | Callaway Gardens, 4500 Southern Pine Drive, Pine Mountain, GA, 31822, United States
Virginia First-The 1607 Project

In 2019, The New York Times published the 1619 Project, a critical view of American history centered on the role of slavery in the American founding. More importantly, the 1619 Project argued that Americans had never lived up to the ideals of the American founding, including what has been termed the “Proposition Nation.” Is this true? Abraham Lincoln did not invent the “Proposition Nation” with the Gettysburg Address in 1863, but he solidified its importance to our collective understanding of American history.
Northern reformers latched onto Thomas Jefferson’s lofty language in the Declaration of Independence, leading many to consider the second paragraph of that document to be a commitment to their respective reform crusades. This led to two competing visions for America. One developed in the North and centered on a radically ideological interpretation of the American founding and that found favor among those searching for a “City Upon a Hill.” The other arrived at Jamestown in 1607, developed over several centuries, and was born in the Anglo-American political and legal traditions.
The “Virginia First–1607 Project” explores the importance of Virginia in the American tradition and offers a counterweight to the “Proposition Nation” narrative of American history. This conference will debut the “Virginia First–1607 Project” documentary film and book, and will feature lectures on the topic from Abbeville Institute affiliated scholars.
Join us at beautiful Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA February 16-18, 2024 for fellowship, discussion, and critical examination of the American founding.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, February 16:
4:00-6:00: Check in and conviviality
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Lecture
8:00-conviviality
Saturday, February 17:
9:00-10:00: Lecture
10:00-11:00: Lecture
11:00-12:00: Lecture
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: Lecture
2:00-3:00: Lecture
4:00-5:00: Lecture
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Lecture
8:00-conviviality
Sunday, February 18:
Checkout and Gardens
Callaway Gardens embodies the spirit of the Southern tradition. With 2500 private acres of nature, walking, hiking, and biking trails, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly center, the rustic Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel with beautiful stained glass and a working pipe organ, Robin Lake Beach, world class golf, and exquisite Southern gardens, Callaway Gardens is a destination that combines the best elements of the South.
Registration is now closed.

The conference fee covers all lectures, a supper Friday, February 16, and lunch and supper on February 17 along with all day refreshments and snacks.
The dress code is coat and tie for gentlemen and cocktail attire for ladies for supper on Friday and Saturday, and business casual for the rest of the conference.

The New South and Future South
2025-02-20 - 2025-02-23 | Columbus Marriott, 800 Front Ave, Columbus, 31901, United States
The New South and the Future South
Historians define the New South as the period following Reconstruction. Denoting this as “New” meant that changes had occurred. Most point to the Southern economy and the abolition of slavery, but others elements of Southern life experienced change as well, most of it considered detrimental to the Southern tradition. Yet, for cities like Columbus, GA, the “New South” led to a booming textile industry and a flourishing economy. Moreover, as C. Vann Woodward has illustrated, the New South embraced Northern legal norms regarding race and social status. The New South also saw new developments in Southern culture, particularly in the realm of “leisure.” What is this thing known as the “New South”, and how does that impact the modern and future South? We’ll explore these questions and more along with food and fellowship.
Join us at the Columbus Marriott in downtown Columbus, GA, a hotel built around a restored 19th century grist mill that is now considered a historic landmark. Columbus was once called the model New South city and is the ideal setting for this discussion. The Columbus Marriott is situated in the historic district of Columbus across the street from the Columbus Iron Works, one of the most important iron foundries in the antebellum South, and in walking distance of restaurants and the Columbus River Walk along the Chattahoochee River. Houlihan’s Pub is also located on site so you can enjoy drinks and food during your off time and at your arrival on Thursday.
We will also meet on Friday at the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum–once called the Confederate Naval Museum–to fire an original Brooke rifled cannon from the ironclad C.S.S. Jackson. The hull of the Jackson rests inside the museum, and the museum houses a large collection of Confederate naval artifacts including one of the largest original 2nd National flags in existence from the C.S.S. Atlanta.
The conference fee covers all lectures, a reception on Thursday, February 20, lunch and supper on February 21 and 22, and your admission to the museum on Friday. Attire is business casual during the day. Evening meals and lectures require coat and tie for gentlemen and cocktail dresses for ladies
Tentative schedule:
Thursday, February 20:
3:00-5:00: Check-in
5:00-6:30: Supper on your own
6:30-7:30: Reception
7:30-8:30: Dr. Brion McClanahan, “Reconciliation and the Future South”
8:30- Conviviality
Friday, February 21:
Breakfast on your own (complimentary for guests staying in the hotel)

9:00-10:00: Dr. William Wilson

10:00-11:00: Dr. Richard Gamble
11:00-12:00: T.L. Hulsey
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-5:00 Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum and firing of the cannon (2 PM sharp).
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Dr. Tom Fleming, “The Ghosts of Southern Nationalism.”
8:00- Conviviality
Saturday, February 22:
Breakfast on your own (complimentary for guests staying in the hotel)
9:00-10:00: Dr. Wanjiru Njoya
10:00-11:00: Phil Leigh, “Economic Penalties of Reconstruction.”
11:00-12:00: Donnie Kennedy
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: Dr. Tom Daniel
2:00-3:00: Eric Neff, “Stronger: How Local Southern Political Societies Will Protect the American Remnant.”
3:00-4:00: Mike Kitchens
4:00-5:00: Ronnie Kennedy
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Dr. Don Livingston, “What is Living and What is Dead in the Southern Tradition.”
8:00- Conviviality
Sunday, February 23:

Checkout

Registration:
Guests registering before December 20, 2024 can take advantage of the early bird registration discount of $599 for individuals and $1099 for couples. The registration rate from December 21, 2024 -January 20, 2025 is $699 for individuals and $1299 for couples. Registration closes on January 21, 2025.
Guests are encouraged to register ONLINE by clicking HERE or by clicking the big “Register HERE” below. You can also mail a check to PO BOX 1870, Auburn, AL 36831-1870. Please include all guest information and clearly indicate the payment is for the conference registration.
Lodging:
Conference guests can book a room at the Columbus Marriott with the group discount. Rooms are $174 per night plus taxes and fees and all guests staying in the hotel receive a complimentary hot breakfast. The last day to book is January 20, 2025 and is subject to availability, so book early. Parking is $15 per vehicle, per night. Click this link to make your reservations.

Regardless of room type reserved, MClub access is not included in the group discounted rate. MClub is limited to Marriott Bonvoy members that are ranked Platinum or above or to purchasing guests. You may add MClub access to your stay for $50.00 per night if desired.
To book outside of the dates available, guests may call the Columbus Marriott’s Sales Department directly to make their reservations. Please call 706-324-1800 [Option 2.] If no one is available to answer, you are welcome to leave a voicemail message including your name, phone number, and dates requested.
Transportation:
Guests interested in traveling to the event via aircraft should fly to Atlanta. Columbus, GA is about an hour and a half drive from the airport. Multiple car rental agencies are available on site. Groome Transportation offers shuttle service from the hotel but is by reservation only. There are limited flights to and from the Columbus, GA airport.

The 14th Amendment
2025-10-03 19:00 - 2025-10-04 20:00 (America/New_York) | Columbus Marriott, 800 Front Ave, Columbus, 31901, United States
The 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment is arguably the most important political development of the post-bellum United States. Historians, legal scholars, lawyers, and judges have debated its meaning and intent. Many of our current political debates center on the Amendment, from immigration to the powers of the central government. In many respects, the 14th Amendment has become the Constitution. Some judges and scholars classify themselves as “14th Amendment originalists” today.
But are modern interpretations of the Amendment correct? We’ll review the history of the Amendment, its application, meaning, and intent, and how it impacts America today.
The conference fee covers all lectures, the lecture on Friday, October 3, and lunch and supper on Saturday, October 4. Attire is business casual during the day. Evening meals and lectures require coat and tie for gentlemen and cocktail dresses for ladies.
Confirmed Speakers: Brion McClanahan, William Watkins, Joe Wolverton, Jesse Merriam, Marshall DeRosa, Jeffrey Addicott, Eric Neff, and Ryan Walters.
Tentative schedule:
Friday, October 3:
7:00-8:00: Brion McClanahan
8:00- Conviviality
Saturday, October 4:
Breakfast on your own (complimentary for guests staying in the hotel)
9:00-10:00: Jeffrey Addicott
10:00-11:00: Ryan Walters
11:00-12:00: Joe Wolverton
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: Eric Neff
2:00-3:00: William Watkins
3:00-4:00: Jesse Merriam
4:00-5:00: Q&A
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Marshall DeRosa
8:00- Conviviality
Sunday, October 5:
Checkout
Registration:

Registration is now closed.
Lodging:
Conference guests can book a room at the Columbus Marriott with the group discount. Rooms are $189 per night plus taxes and fees and all guests staying in the hotel receive a complimentary hot breakfast. The last day to book is September 3, 2025 and is subject to availability, so book early. Parking is $15 per vehicle, per night. Click this link to make your reservations.

Regardless of room type reserved, MClub access is not included in the group discounted rate. MClub is limited to Marriott Bonvoy members that are ranked Platinum or above or to purchasing guests. You may add MClub access to your stay for $50.00 per night if desired.
To book outside of the dates available, guests may call the Columbus Marriott’s Sales Department directly to make their reservations. Please call 706-324-1800 [Option 2.] If no one is available to answer, you are welcome to leave a voicemail message including your name, phone number, and dates requested.
Transportation:
Guests interested in traveling to the event via aircraft should fly to Atlanta. Columbus, GA is about an hour and a half drive from the airport. Multiple car rental agencies are available on site. Groome Transportation offers shuttle service from the hotel but is by reservation only. There are limited flights to and from the Columbus, GA airport.

The Declaration and Decentralization
2026-03-19 15:00 - 2026-03-21 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Renaissance Hotel Montgomery, 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
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. Speakers and agenda forthcoming.
Thursday, March 19
3:00-5:00: Check-in
7:00-8:00: Lecture
8:00- Conviviality
Friday, March 20:
Breakfast on your own
9:00-12:00: Lectures
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-5:00: Time in Montgomery
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Lecture
8:00- Conviviality
Saturday, March 21:
Breakfast on your own
9:00-12:00: Lectures
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-5:00: Lectures
6:00-7:00: Supper
7:00-8:00: Lecture
8:00- Conviviality
Sunday, March 22:
Checkout

Registration:
Guests registering before December 31, 2025 can take advantage of the early bird registration discount of $599 for individuals and $1099 for couples. The registration rate from January 1, 2026 – February 18, 2026 is $699 for individuals and $1299 for couples. Registration closes on February 18, 2026.
Guests are encouraged to register ONLINE by clicking HERE. You can also mail a check to PO BOX 1870, Auburn, AL 36831-1870. Please include all guest information and clearly indicate the payment is for the conference registration.
Lodging:
Conference guests can book a room at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa with the group discount. Rooms are $199 per night plus taxes and fees and all guests staying in the hotel receive a complimentary hot breakfast. The last day to book is February 19, 2026 and is subject to availability, so book early. Parking is $27.60 per vehicle, per night. Click this link to make your reservations.

To book outside of the dates available, guests may call the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa directly to make their reservations. Please call 334-481-5000. If no one is available to answer, you are welcome to leave a voicemail message including your name, phone number, and dates requested.

22nd Annual Summer School
2026-06-25 - 2026-06-28 | Hotel at Auburn University, 241 S College St, Auburn, AL, 36830, United States
We are pleased to announce that the Summer School is back in person in 2026! Beginning in 2023, the Summer School moved online and was directed at students only. We will maintain the students only format, but we will be back in person at the beautiful Hotel at Auburn University, June 25-28, 2026.
You must be an advanced high school, undergraduate, or graduate student to participate.
ALL students must submit an application for enrollment as space is limited. If you are accepted the summer school is free of charge for your lodging, conference fee, and food, but you must pay for your travel expenses to and from the event.
High school students are required to have an adult chaperone for the duration of the event. Chaperones must pay $300 and will room with the student.
Registration is now open and closes March 31, 2026.
Students may be required to share a room.
Specific faculty and curriculum details are forthcoming.
Students who wish to participate must submit a brief application to Brion McClanahan at ai@abbevilleinstitute.org by March 31, 2026.
The application MUST include your name, attending institution (either high school or college/university), major field or proposed major field of study, your email address and phone number, a summary describing your interest in the Institute and the Southern tradition, and, if you are a high school student, your overall GPA.
Students will be required to present a paper on the assigned topic (forthcoming) and participate in all seminars.
We look forward to hearing from you.
If you wish to sponsor the Summer School and help pay the bills, you can click the button below to contribute or send a check to:
PO BOX 1870
Auburn, AL 36831-1870
