Skip to main content

Past Events

Becoming America: Past, Promise, and the Path Ahead at 250

Kathleen DuVal, Jane Kamensky, Vann R. Newkirk II, Jayme Swain, Alan Taylor

An exclusive advance screening from Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution, followed by a conversation reflecting on the nation’s founding and what it means today.   

Sold out
7:00pm - 8:45pm
The Paramount Theater
Oct
15

Join the Conversation: Common Ground, Common Sound

Mike Ellison

Across cultures and throughout history, music has brought people together to communicate, reflect, and connect. Part community concert and part participatory rhythm session, this event welcomes everyone—no experience required—to join in a shared civic act through sound.

open
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hunter Smith Band Building
Oct
15

Join the Conversation: Democracy in Action

Kat Calvin, Reed Howard, Sally Hudson, Dreama Montrief Johnson, Sam Pressler

Meet a diverse group of changemakers who are building and strengthening democracy from the ground up—in neighborhoods, community organizations, polling places, and even on the ballot.

open
1:00pm - 2:30pm
The Rotunda (Dome Room)
Oct
15
Event | September 4, 2025

Law

How can the U.S. Constitution chart a path to repairing political divisions? Yuval Levin (AEI) joins UVA Law professor Mila Versteeg to discuss his book "American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation—and Could Again."

  • September 4, 2025
  • UVA's Bond House
    600 Brandon Ave., Charlottesville, VA
  • 12:00 pm–1:15 pm
Event | June 8, 2025

2025 Chautauqua Forum on Democracy

Join the Chautauqua Institution and Karsh Institute for the 2025 Chautauqua Forum on Democracy. Featuring conversations with experts including 2024–25 Chautauqua Perry Fellows in Democracy Melody Barnes and David French.

  • June 8–10, 2025
  • Athenaeum Hotel
    Chautauqua, New York
  • 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Event | May 31, 2025

UVA Reunions: Talking Across Difference

How can we foster meaningful conversation across lines of difference in today’s politically polarized world? This event is open to UVA alumni attending the 2025 UVA Alumni Reunions weekend.

  • May 31, 2025
  • Newcomb Hall Theater
  • 3:15 pm–4:15 pm
Event | April 25, 2025

Democracy and the Imagination

Deva Woodly (Brown University) and Lawrie Balfour (UVA Politics) discuss how their recent books reimagine the meaning of freedom and the possibilities of democracy. Moderated by Kevin Gaines (UVA Woodson Institute).

  • April 25, 2025
  • UVA's Bond House
    600 Brandon Ave. Charlottesville, VA
  • 12:00 pm–1:15 pm