The Philadelphia Society At 60: Uniting A Movement
60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee
In commemorating the Society’s Diamond Jubilee, we seek to renew a sense of unity and purpose around our mission of sponsoring the interchange of ideas through discussion and writing, in the interest of deepening the intellectual foundation of a free and ordered society, and of broadening the understanding of its basic principles and traditions.
Since 1964, The Philadelphia Society has provided a forum for reasoned persuasion rather than pressure for false conformity. Our purpose is not political, nor is it primarily focused on public policy. Our role is to cultivate an active community of persons carrying on the scholarly inquiry, writing, conversation, and even argument necessary to keep the ideals of a free and ordered society alive in the minds, hearts, and actions of people around the world.
As Friedrich Hayek – Distinguished Member of the Society – reminded us, “the growth of ideas is an international process, and only those who fully take part in the discussion will be able to exercise a significant influence.”
At this anniversary and gala, therefore, we will celebrate our founders, look back in the spirit of another Distinguished Member Russell Kirk to the timeless “roots of conservatism,” and also look bravely to the future by exploring the challenges liberty must meet in the coming decades.
- Not a member? Visit How to Attend for more information.
- Founders' Fellowship applications are due November 30, 2023.
- General Fellowship applications are due February 9, 2024.
| Friday, April 19 |
| 4:00–6:00 |
Registration |
| 4:30–6:00 | President's Reception (by invitation) |
| 5:30–6:00 |
Fellowship Orientation |
| 5:30–6:50 |
General Reception |
| 7:00–9:00 |
Dinner & Program 1960’s: A Free Society in Ferment Chair: Bridgett Wagner, President, The Philadelphia Society Keynote Address: Jay Bhattacharya, Stanford University School of Medicine |
Saturday, April 20 |
| 7:30–9:00 | Annual Breakfast Meeting of the Membership (Members only) |
| 9:30–11:00 |
Session 1 – 1970’s: A Crisis in our Institutions Chair: T. Kenneth Cribb, Intercollegiate Studies Institute Mark Chenoweth, New Civil Liberties Alliance Michael Matheson Miller, Acton Institute W. Bradford Wilcox, University of Virginia |
| 11:00–11:30 |
Break |
| 11:30–1:30 |
Baron Award Luncheon & Program 1980’s: Do Conservative Ideas Lead to Conservative Outcomes? Chair: Bradley C.S. Watson, Hillsdale College Keynote Address: Janice Rogers Brown, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, Retired Introduction by Edith Jones, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit |
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2:00–3:30 |
Session 2– 1990’s: Limiting Government: Are Conservative Solutions Up to the Challege? Chair: Wilfred M. McClay, Hillsdale College Philip K. Howard, Common Good Steve Marshall, Office of the Attorney General, State of Alabama Jennifer Mascott, Antonin Scalia Law School |
| 3:30–4:00 |
Coffee Break |
| 4:00–5:30 |
Session 3 – 2000’s: America’s Role in the World Chair: Christopher Long, Silvercrest Abigail Hall, University of Tampa Robert Greenway, The Heritage Foundation Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, Hudson Institute |
| 5:30-6:00 |
Break |
| 6:00–6:30 |
Reception |
| 6:30–8:00 |
Gala Dinner & Entertainment by the Harry James Orchestra |
| 8:00–10:00 |
Dessert Reception & Afterglow |
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| 8:30–9:30 | Breakfast Buffet |
| 9:30–11:30 |
Roundtable Discussion – 2020’s: The Way Forward Chair: Roger Ream, The Fund for American Studies Corey A. DeAngelis, Educational Freedom Institute John Papola, Emergent Order Foundation Aramis Perez, Floreat Center Luke Sheahan, Duquesne University |
Please contact Charissa Reul with questions or for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to sponsor our Diamond Jubilee as we look back at the Society’s role over six decades in the conservative movement and engage future generations in continuing the legacy of vigorous debate.