Evans History Initiative
Thursday, April 9, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Meanings and Uses of the Declaration of Independence at 250 Years
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In April 2026, Avon Old Farms School will host a landmark academic conference as part of the prestigious Evans History Initiative. Titled “The Meanings and Uses of the Declaration of Independence at 250 Years,” this event will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This marks Avon's third ambitious intellectual gathering to date, positioning our school at the forefront of national commemorations for the Declaration’s semiquincentennial.
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Keynote livestream featuring David Blight, Yale Professor & Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
The conference will be anchored by a keynote address from Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Yale University professor, David Blight, author of the acclaimed Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. His address will be livestreamed to our global alumni community, providing a unique opportunity for them to engage virtually in this historic conversation.
A Document That Shaped the World
“The Declaration of Independence is more than just a founding document,” says Dr. Chris Doyle, of Avon’s History Department. “It has served as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and liberty across centuries—not just in the United States, but around the world. Our conference will explore how this document has been interpreted, used, and contested across time and place.”
Who Should Attend?
The conference invites participation from:
- Students
- Educators
- University faculty
Attendees will have the opportunity to present papers, lead teaching demonstrations, and engage in discussions ranging from civil rights to global revolutions, all rooted in the evolving legacy of the Declaration.
Call for Papers
Those who are interested in presenting should email their proposal to Dr. Chris Doyle by October 15.
We seek proposals for papers or lessons relevant to the conference theme, and we encourage submissions from university faculty, secondary educators, and high-school students (Student presenters will be grouped together in sessions devoted solely to their work).
We are especially interested in papers/demos shedding light on how the Declaration has informed various civil rights movements, evolving understandings of the preamble’s ideals of equality, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” implications for limited government and a right to revolution, historical contexts influencing the Declaration’s writing, international uses of the Declaration, legal and social impact of the Declaration over time, the iconography of “1776,” and other creative paths to deeper understanding of the document and its legacies. Proposals should run 200-300 words.
Teachers of history, government, and civics classes are encouraged to oversee student submissions and submit on their behalf. Please title submissions by students as "Student Submission."
Submissions should include a brief c.v. and note on sources to be used. Deadline for submissions is October 15 with acceptances determined by early November.
Submit all proposals to Dr. Chris Doyle at doylec@avonoldfarms.com.
Who Should I Contact?
Dr. Chris Doyle
doylec@avonoldfarms.com
Where Next?
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