Life, Liberty, and Happiness: A Panel Discussing the Constitution and Religious Freedom
In partnership please join James Madison’s Montpelier and The Valentine Museum as we explore religious freedom, democracy, and the U.S. Constitution. In this second segment of a three part series, Eola Dance will guide a discussion of faith and practice, equal protection under the law, and our shared responsibility in telling “whole history.” Distinguished panelist Chief Keith Anderson (Nansemond Indian Nation) will illuminate the long journey to religious freedom for Native American Nations and citizens; joined by Rev. Larry Walker (Montpelier Descendants Committee) we will explore the ways in which faith, perseverance, and spirituality sustained generations of descendants of the enslaved as Piedmont VA “landkin” sharing in connection to this cultural landscape; and we welcome American slavery, law, and religious studies scholar Paul Finkelman (PhD) who will provide depth of insight into the U.S. Constitution and the protection of religious freedom past and present.
Life, Liberty & Happiness: New Perspectives on Founding Ideas is a collaboration between James Madison’s Montpelier and the Valentine First Freedom Center that explores the evolution and contemporary relevance of America’s founding philosophies and highlights scholars whose work contributes to reinterpreting what “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” means today.
Location: James Madison's Montpelier, David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, Grand Salon
Life, Liberty & Happiness: New Perspectives on Founding Ideas is a collaboration between James Madison’s Montpelier and the Valentine First Freedom Center that explores the evolution and contemporary relevance of America’s founding philosophies and highlights scholars whose work contributes to reinterpreting what “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” means today.
Location: James Madison's Montpelier, David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, Grand Salon
Montpelier is a memorial to James Madison and the Enslaved Community, a museum of American history, and a center for constitutional education that engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison’s most powerful idea: government by the people.
The Valentine First Freedom Center is located at the site where the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom was signed in 1786. It celebrates this important history by exploring the past, present and future of freedom of conscience in America.