In celebration of the Declaration of Independence’s Semiquincentennial, the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education will offer a series of events centered around the theme “The Documents that Make Us.” Our first two programs are on June 11 and June 24.
The Documents that Make Us:
“Prelude: The Steps Towards Statehood,”
a lecture by Dr. Kristen L. Bailey.
June 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm
a lecture by Dr. Kristen L. Bailey.
June 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm
In honor of West Virginia Day, Dr. Kristen L. Bailey will present “Prelude: The Steps Towards Statehood,” a lecture about the events and people behind the formation of the 35th state. This free event will be held at Byrd Center Auditorium (213 N. King Street, Shepherdstown, WV), on the campus of Shepherd University.
Biographical Information: Kristen Bailey is a 2025 PhD graduate of West Virginia University, whose research centers on the West Virginia Statehood movement. Placing West Virginia’s history into wider conversations about the political and economic changes of the Civil War era is the focus of her work. Dr. Bailey works as the Project Administrator for the West Virginia National Cemeteries Project.
“Understanding the Declaration of Independence,”
an author talk & book signing by Robert G. Parkinson, PhD.
June 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
an author talk & book signing by Robert G. Parkinson, PhD.
June 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
Hosted in partnership with Four Seasons Books.
As we approach the Declaration’s 250th anniversary, Dr. Robert G. Parkinson’s new book Tyrants and Rogues (W.W. Norton, 2026) views that founding document in a way “centered not on the lofty preamble but on the specific grievances” laid out in its Long Train of Abuses and Usurpations. Parkinson will offer a lecture based on his work followed by a book signing and reception. Tyrants and Rogues, as well as Parkinson’s other books, will be available for purchase at the event or in advance from Four Seasons Books. This free event will be held at Byrd Center Auditorium (213 N. King Street, Shepherdstown, WV), on the campus of Shepherd University.
Biographical Information: Dr. Robert G. Parkinson is an Associate Professor of History at Binghamton University, in New York with research interests in the American Revolution and the Early Republic. He holds a PhD from the University of Virginia and has received fellowships from the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, the West Virginia Humanities Council, and the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, among others. His previous books include The Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier (Norton, 2024), Thirteen Clocks: How Race United the Colonies and Made the Declaration of Independence (UNC Press, 2021), and the multi-award winning The Common Cause: Creating Race and Nation in the American Revolution (UNC Press, 2016). Parkinson was previously an Associate Professor of History at Shepherd University.
As we approach the Declaration’s 250th anniversary, Dr. Robert G. Parkinson’s new book Tyrants and Rogues (W.W. Norton, 2026) views that founding document in a way “centered not on the lofty preamble but on the specific grievances” laid out in its Long Train of Abuses and Usurpations. Parkinson will offer a lecture based on his work followed by a book signing and reception. Tyrants and Rogues, as well as Parkinson’s other books, will be available for purchase at the event or in advance from Four Seasons Books. This free event will be held at Byrd Center Auditorium (213 N. King Street, Shepherdstown, WV), on the campus of Shepherd University.
Biographical Information: Dr. Robert G. Parkinson is an Associate Professor of History at Binghamton University, in New York with research interests in the American Revolution and the Early Republic. He holds a PhD from the University of Virginia and has received fellowships from the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, the West Virginia Humanities Council, and the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, among others. His previous books include The Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier (Norton, 2024), Thirteen Clocks: How Race United the Colonies and Made the Declaration of Independence (UNC Press, 2021), and the multi-award winning The Common Cause: Creating Race and Nation in the American Revolution (UNC Press, 2016). Parkinson was previously an Associate Professor of History at Shepherd University.
Future Upcoming Events:
Summer Fundraiser
August 1, 2026.
August 1, 2026.
More information coming soon!
Enjoy dinner under the stars followed by musical entertainment. This event will be held at Tabler Farm.
Enjoy dinner under the stars followed by musical entertainment. This event will be held at Tabler Farm.
Constitution Day Lecture
September 17, 2026.
September 17, 2026.
More information coming soon!
Our annual Tom E. Moses Memorial Lecture on the U.S. Constitution, named for the late Tom E. Moses, a longtime civil libertarian, activist, and founder of the Eastern Panhandle branch of the ACLU-WV.
Our annual Tom E. Moses Memorial Lecture on the U.S. Constitution, named for the late Tom E. Moses, a longtime civil libertarian, activist, and founder of the Eastern Panhandle branch of the ACLU-WV.
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Our Mission: |
The Byrd Center advances representative democracy by promoting a better understanding of the United States Congress and the Constitution through programs and research that engage citizens.
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