Upcoming Events

Spring 2026

Is the Declaration of Independence Our Law? 

Lessons From Salmon P.Chase's Antislavery Constitutionalism

Randy Barnett: Chase Distinguished Lecture Series 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026  |  4 p.m. at Thompson Library  | Register today

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has said the Declaration of Independence is “not law,” and Justice Antonin Scalia expressed a similar view. 

Randy E. Barnett argues that the Declaration is part of our law in a foundational sense—an authoritative public act that announced the American theory of legitimate government, fixed the ends of political authority, and continues to supply legally relevant reasons for officials, even if it does not create a standalone cause of action. 

To illustrate this tradition in action, the lecture highlights how Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase invoked the Declaration as a young lawyer defending fugitive slaves in Ohio and later as the U.S. Senator from Ohio—representative of the Declaration's widespread use by antislavery constitutionalists.

Rogue States: The Making of America's Global War on Terror

Book launch and conversation with Dr. Matthew Frakes

4 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026  |  Smith Lab, Room 5097  |  Register today

This event marks the publication of Rogue States: The Making of America's Global War on Terror, a new book by Chase Center historian and assistant professor Dr. Matthew Frakes. This timely book explores how the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush shaped the strategic framework that guided U.S. national security in the post–Cold War era and ultimately influenced the War on Terror. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Brian Balogh, Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Virginia.

Ohio Civics Centers Symposium 

Friday, April 24, 2026  |  The Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus  |  Registration for invitees

Details on our 2026 symposium coming soon!

The Ohio Civics Centers Symposium brings together centers at Ohio universities that are dedicated to civic education. The symposium serves as a platform for these centers to collaborate, share research, and develop innovative approaches to fostering informed and engaged citizens. 

Parking: Free to attendees who display a parking pass on the dash of their car to be provided by the Chase Center.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch provided.

Recommended lodging 

The Fairfield Inn, 3031 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43202  |  614-267-1111. |. Reservations (link to come)

Other nearby hotels

Hilton Garden Inn, 3232 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43202  |  833-312-9234

Hampton Inn & Suites, 3160 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43202  |  614-268-8700

Teaching the Declaration of Independence

Three weeklong sessions to choose from: June 7-12, June 14-19, and June 21-26  |  At The Ohio State University  |  Details and Registration

The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at The Ohio State University is offering a week of professional development on the Declaration of Independence for civics, government, and history teachers across the country. These workshops coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Sessions will include lectures from experts on the American Founding, discussion of strategies for teaching the Declaration, and simulation exercises on the Second Continental Congress. By pairing high-quality content instruction with experimental learning, these workshops will increase American teachers’ knowledge of and appreciation for the key texts and events that have shaped this nation’s history.

This opportunity is designed for high school teachers but will also benefit educators from third through eighth grade, who are eligible to apply.