4:33 p.m., Sept. 27, 2007--In observation of Constitution Day, Jonathan Russ, assistant professor of history at UD, gave a lecture on the life of founding father George Read and his role in the creation of the U.S. Constitution in the North Lounge of George Read Hall on Sunday evening, Sept. 23.
“George Read stands out for his singular accomplishments in his service to Delaware and the United States. Lawyer, patriot, statesmen; Read was one of only six men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,” Russ said.
Russ went on to talk about how Read had an incredibly strong connection to UD, one that began “at the age of 10, when in 1743, he came to the Rev. Francis Alison's newly opened academy to which the University of Delaware traces its roots.” That distinguished class also included Thomas McKean and James Smith, who went on to sign the Declaration of Independence along with Read, Russ noted.
Among Read's accomplishments were the many positions he held during America's quest for independence. “During the Revolution itself, Read held a variety of posts including speaker of the Delaware Assembly, and for a period of time as the state's president (or governor as we might say today).” He also presided over the committee that drafted Delaware's new constitution, Russ said.
Constitution Day is celebrated across the United States, but because of Read and his connection to UD, Russ said, “We here at the University of Delaware have special reason to celebrate.”
After Russ' opening remarks, students were invited to take part in The Constitution Project 2007, an interactive workshop in which the students were able to examine key elements of the documents governing their organizations, or begin to create new ones and share their progress with students from across the campus.
For more information, contact Michael Diesner at [diesner@udel.edu].
Article by Adam Thomas
Photo by Duane Perry