The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Fight for a People's Constitution

A Pennsylvania lawyer and delegate to the Constitutional Convention, James Wilson played a critical role in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. He believed that the people were the ultimate source of power and argued for a strong central government. As a member of the Convention's Committee of Detail, Wilson penned the first two handwritten drafts of the Constitution, which offer insight into his vision for the new government.
Despite his political triumphs, the end of Wilson's life was marred by scandal, which overshadowed his legacy. In his new book The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People's Constitution, author Jesse Wegman examines Wilson's role in shaping the nation and his relevance today.
Hear from Wegman and William Ewald, the John J. O’Brien Professor of Comparative and International Law at the University of Pennsylvania and an expert on James Wilson. Their conversation will be moderated by HSP Librarian & CEO David Brigham. This program will also feature a document display of historical materials created by or related to Wilson.