250th Commemorative Conference
America’s Founding: Legacy and Influence
April 17–18, 2026
Hosted by the Department of History
Join Liberty University for a multidisciplinary academic conference commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This historic event will bring together students, faculty, and scholars to explore America’s Christian heritage, the development of its constitutional ideals, and its influence around the world.
This conference is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact the Department of History at history@liberty.edu.
About the Conference
The 250th Commemorative Conference will feature a rich program of presentations, panels, and public history initiatives that explore the religious, intellectual, and political foundations of America’s Founding.
Attendees will engage with scholarship on topics including:
- Christianity’s role in shaping the nation
- Key figures, events, and documents of the Founding era
- The global context and influence of America’s founding principles
- The evolution and reinterpretation of Founding ideals throughout American history
- Connections between historical insights and contemporary debates in politics, law, and society
- The role of the Revolutionary War in shaping American and world history
The conference will also include:
- Keynote Address by Maj. Gen. USMC (Ret.) Jason Bohm, Dean of the Helms School of Government and author of Washington’s Marines on April 17 at 7 p.m.
- Panel discussions featuring scholars and students exploring multidisciplinary perspectives on the Founding on April 18 from 8:30-4:30 p.m.
- Tours of the Liberty University Chaplains Museum highlighting historical artifacts and heritage.
- Museum Hours:
- Friday, April 17, 12-4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18, 10-2 p.m., 4-6 p.m.
This landmark event provides an opportunity to reflect on the biblical principles and visionary leadership that shaped the United States and continue to inspire faith, freedom, and service today.
Your Voice Matters
Through research presentations, public history initiatives, and scholarly dialogue, we will reflect on the biblical principles and visionary leadership that shaped our nation. Together, we will consider how those same foundations continue to inspire faith, freedom, and service today.
Conference Schedule
School of Business
Friday, April 17
6:30 p.m. – Doors Open
7:00 p.m. – Keynote Address
Saturday, April 18
8:00 a.m. – Doors Open
8:30 a.m. – Concurrent Panel Sessions
9:45 a.m. – Plenary Session
11:00 a.m. – Concurrent Panel Sessions
12:15–1:45 p.m. – Lunch Break
2:00 p.m. – Concurrent Panel Sessions
3:15 p.m. – Plenary Session
4:00–6:00 p.m. – Chaplains Museum Open
Keynote Address – April 17, 2026
Maj. Gen. USMC (Ret.) Jason Bohm
Dean, Helms School of Government, Liberty University
Author of Washington’s Marines (2023)
We are honored to welcome Maj. Gen. USMC (Ret.) Jason Bohm, Dean of the Helms School of Government, as our keynote speaker, sharing insights on the intersection of history, governance, and service.
Maj. Gen. Bohm brings over 34 years of distinguished military service, including leadership roles in Marine Corps Training and Recruiting Commands and NATO operations. A decorated officer and award-winning author, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of history, governance, and Christian leadership.
Plaque Dedication Ceremony: Revolutionary War Arsenal Site, New London, Virginia
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be dedicating a historical marker honoring the Site of the Revolutionary War Arsenal at New London, Virginia.
- April 17 at 4:00 p.m.
- 713 Alum Springs Road, Forest, Virginia, 24551
Get more event details.
Additional Information
Free and open to the public, the conference will be held in the School of Business building on the campus of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Selected papers will be considered for publication in a special issue of Bound Away, the History Department’s graduate student journal.
Visitor Information
Please direct inquiries to history@liberty.edu.