Hildene Welcomes Renowned Constitutional Scholar Akhil Reed Amar

MANCHESTER, Vt. — Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is pleased to announce that renowned constitutional scholar and bestselling author Akhil Reed Amar will appear at Hildene for a special public program to explore America’s ever-evolving journey to live up to its central founding moral principle that all people are created equal. ​

Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University and is widely regarded as one of the nation's foremost authorities on the Constitution. His scholarship has been cited by U.S. Supreme Court justices across the ideological spectrum, and he is the author of numerous influential books, including America's Constitution: A Biography, The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction, and the acclaimed constitutional history trilogy that examines the American constitutional experience from the Founding through the twentieth century. Amar appears often on TV and coauthors a regular column on SCOTUSblog. The first 50 registrants for the program will receive a copy of the recently published and highly praised second volume of the trilogy, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution, 1840 – 1920. ​

Audience members will have an opportunity to engage with one of America's leading public intellectuals on questions that lie at the heart of the nation's civic life: constitutional interpretation, democratic institutions, citizenship, equality, and the ongoing dialogue between the nation's founding principles and contemporary challenges.

"At a time when Americans are grappling with fundamental questions about democracy, constitutional governance, and civic responsibility, Akhil Amar brings extraordinary historical depth, intellectual rigor, and accessibility to these conversations," said Craig Gemmell, President of Hildene. "His appearance reflects Hildene's commitment to fostering thoughtful public dialogue and civic engagement."

As the home of Robert Todd Lincoln and a place dedicated to preserving and sharing the Lincoln legacy, Hildene provides a fitting setting for a discussion of constitutional principles, democratic ideals, and the responsibilities of citizenship. The program is a continuation of Hildene's tradition of bringing leading scholars, authors, and public thinkers to southern Vermont for conversations that connect history to the challenges and opportunities of the present day.

Visit Hildene.org to register. ​ ​

Event Details

Date: August 12, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm

Registration: ​ $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members. ​ The first 50 registrants will receive a copy of the second book in Mar's trilogy, the recently published and highly praised Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution, 1840-1920.

Location: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester, Vermont

For additional information and ticket reservations, visit www.hildene.org

About Hildene

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln. Situated on 412 acres in Manchester, Vermont, Hildene preserves the Lincoln family legacy through its historic home, gardens, educational programs, and commitment to civic and historical engagement. Hildene welcomes visitors from around the world to explore the stories, values, and enduring influence of the Lincoln family.