The Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture

Karen Buchholz introduces the 2023 Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture.

The Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture has been established through the generosity of the friends, colleagues, and family of the late Carl M. Buchholz. Carl served from 2008 until his untimely death in 2016 as vice chair of the Board of the Museum of the American Revolution. The lecture is presented at the Museum to explore the political thought of the American Revolution and its national relevance today.

A graduate of The University of Virginia, frequently referred to as “Mr. Jefferson’s University,” Carl admired Thomas Jefferson’s seminal role in establishing concepts of individual rights and equality as the foundations of America’s great experiment in constitutional democracy. Carl received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his public service included being Special Assistant to U.S. Senator John Heinz and Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, helping to create the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He was the managing partner of the Philadelphia office of DLA Piper at the time of his passing.

Carl viewed the Museum as a critically needed educational institution, important for its role in preserving and teaching the origin and relevance of the inspiring ideas of the American Founding. The Carl Buchholz Memorial Lecture honors Carl’s interests and sustains the memory of his life and achievements.

Support the Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture

Ensure that the history lessons that Carl Buchholz so valued will live on and remain available for rising generations.

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Past Lecturers

Photo portrait of Dr. Richard Haass standing along a railing with an american flag in the background in the sky.

2024 - Richard Haass

New York Times bestselling author, veteran diplomat, and author of The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.

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Photo of author and scholar Akhil Reed Amar, who wears glasses, has a gray beard, and salt and pepper long hair.

2023 - Akhil Reed Amar

Preeminent constitutional scholar, Yale University professor, and author of The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.

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Laura Rose

2022 - Danielle Allen

Political theorist and author of the groundbreaking book, Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality.

2020 - Annette Gordon-Reed

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian of The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family.

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2018 - Jon Meacham

No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, author of The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels.

2017 - Joseph J. Ellis

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian of Founding Brothers and Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence.

Description

A dancer performs traditional Iroquois social dances on the Museum plaza.

Museum of the American Revolution Announces New Native American Interpretive Program Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal

. The program is part of the Museum’s ongoing initiative to cultivate and support a more diverse community of people engaged in museum education and interpretation, which also includes its African American Interpretive Program launched in 2021.

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British red coats march past the Museum up Third Street as part of Occupied Philadelphia.

British Perspectives in the Conflict

This activity will allow students to explore a British perspective of the division between the 13 colonies and Great Britain at the end of the Revolutionary War.

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Costumed historical interpreter Sydney Marenburg speaks with a mother and her young son about soap making in the 18th century at the Museum.

Dueling Definitions

This activity will allow students to evaluate the nature of the American Revolution through the examination of primary sources.

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A visitor views Commodore John Barry's sword on display at the Museum.

Last Chance to See Commodore Barry’s Sword Over Thanksgiving Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

Visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution over Thanksgiving Weekend, Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, will have a chance to see the rare Revolutionary War sword of Commodore John Barry on display in the Museum’s core galleries before it is taken off view on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. The holiday weekend will also include theatrical performances, crafts, and immersive activities for the whole family.

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