The University of West Florida’s annual Seligman First Amendment Lecture series returns March 3 with a timely examination of intellectual freedom and American democracy.
Madison Scholar Brings America250 Perspective
Dr. Jay Cost, the Gerald R. Ford nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, will present “To Preserve the Freedom of the Human Mind: The First Amendment and the Pursuit of Happiness” at the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola. The lecture begins at 6 p.m., with a reception at 5:30 p.m.
- “This year we wanted to explore the connections between the principles of the Declaration of Independence and those found in our First Amendment,” said Dr. David Ramsey, professor and chair of the Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government. “Professor Cost is one of the most gifted communicators among the rising generation of scholars who study the American founding and has given this topic special attention in recent years. We’re in for a treat.”
Cost’s research centers on civic republicanism in the United States, with particular emphasis on James Madison’s political theory, political corruption, the role of parties, and congressional power and responsibility. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session and signing of Cost’s latest book, “James Madison: America’s First Politician.”
America250 Timing
The event coincides with national preparations for America250, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. UWF joins communities nationwide in marking this milestone through scholarly discussion and civic engagement.
The free public event is made possible by the Jane G. and Fred K. Seligman Endowment, which has sponsored annual First Amendment lectures to foster dialogue about constitutional freedoms. Additional support comes from the John C. Pace Symposium Series and the U.S. Department of Education.
Past Lecturers:
- Bob Graham – Former U.S. Senator and Florida governor
- Carl Hiaasen – Novelist and longtime Miami Herald columnist
- Robert Spoo – “Book Censorship: Then and Now”
- Alex Berenson – “How to Stop the Internet from Killing Free Speech”
- Mark Garber – “Talking Insurrection”
The Museum of Commerce is located at 201 Zaragoza Street. Registration and additional information are available at uwf.edu/seligman.