Historic Tuscaloosa Plans 2026 Lecture Series Around America’s 250th Birthday

In celebration of America’s 250^th Birthday, Historic Tuscaloosa has unveiled the 2026 lineup for its annual Summer Lecture Series, returning to the historic Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion. The series will feature engaging presentations exploring American history, heritage, and community.

Lecture Dates are June 25, 2026, July 23, 2026, and August 27, on the main floor of the Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion, located at 1305 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa. Pre-lecture gathering beginning at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we believe it is important to create opportunities for thoughtful conversations about our shared history,” said William Hawkins, Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. “

June 25 Lecture Information

Historic Tuscaloosa will welcome Justice Greg Cook on Thursday, June 25, who will present “Understanding How A Revolution Started and How It Changed After It Succeeded.”

“The lecture will explore the causes of the American Revolution and the development of the United States Constitution following independence. Drawing in part from Gordon Wood’s book Power and Liberty: Constitutionalism in the American Revolution, Justice Cook will discuss why the United States adopted a constitutional framework with a relatively strong national government and how it differed from the English system despite surface similarities,” said the press release.

July 23 Lecture Overview

Walter Allen is presenting “Colonial Surveying in America: 1730s–1795” on Thursday, July 23.

The press release said, “Allen’s presentation will examine the evolution of surveying and land ownership in colonial America, beginning with ancient surveying practices in Egypt and medieval Europe before tracing their influence in the New World. Topics will include township development in the colonies, the use of Gunter’s chain, Revolutionary War land pensions, the Point of Beginning in East Liverpool, Ohio, and stories connected to Robert Steele from Allen’s published works.”

August 27 Lecture Details

“The World Turned Upside Down” – Songs and Ballads from the American Revolution, presented by Luisa Kay Reyes, will be the final lecture on Thursday, August 27.

“Reyes will explore the music and ballads popular during the Revolutionary era, including works by composers such as Handel and Haydn, as well as colonial protest songs and broadsides,” said the press release. “Her presentation will discuss how music shaped public sentiment during the Revolution, how familiar folk melodies were adapted to support the Patriot cause, and how military bands influenced colonial audiences despite growing resentment toward British occupation.”

Click here for more details from Historic Tuscaloosa.