Historian Sean Wilentz Traces the Invention of a Pro-Slavery Constitution

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Historian Sean Wilentz delivered the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education’s Constitution Day lecture in Emerson Alumni Hall as part of the school’s America 250 series. The timing carried special weight: the lecture took place on Constitution Day, marking the anniversary of the document’s signing and underscoring the school’s focus on the American founding during the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorations.

Wilentz’s lecture highlighted the risks of treating later constitutional constructions as fixed features of the founding document. The talk forms part of the Hamilton School’s ongoing series of public lectures on American constitutionalism, history, and civic education.

The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida promotes rigorous study of Western civilization, American founding principles, and the institutions of free government.