The University of Wisconsin is home to a remarkable historic and historical project, the Center for the Study of the American Constitution. CSAC is an educational resource center for teachers at all levels, and a source of primary documents for every bestselling author of American history you can think of.
Its major project is the ongoing publication of the (so far) 37 volumes of primary source material on the ratification of the American constitution. The project began in 1976, and still has ten volumes or so, to go. If you need to know anything about the American Revolution, the Constitution, or of the minds of the founders, this is a one-stop shop. Talk about favorite bookstores.
It has been my privilege and great delight to have come to know the long-time directors of the Center, John Kaminski and Richard Leffler, both of whom retired a few years ago, and are great enthusiasts for the American idea. One of the highlights of my year when I had a day job, was going to Madison for a couple of days in summer to sit in on their lectures for high school history teachers, and then hanging out with them at the slightly shabby but beautiful UW faculty club, listening to them speak. Such remarkable, accomplished and important men, they wore their erudition lightly.
I always think of John and Richard on the Fourth of July. I know that John’s ritual is to watch the corny and wonderful musical, 1776 on this day. I will be thinking of him and of Richard when I do the same. Great men.
Happy Independence Day. Long may it endure.
Amen!
A happy and safe fourth to you and Charlie!