Lecture Series

Historic Tuscaloosa has announced the 2026 schedule for its annual Summer Lecture Series, returning to the historic Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion. This year’s series will commemorate America’s 250th birthday through engaging presentations focused on American history, heritage, and community.
Historic Tuscaloosa is proud to participate in the nationwide celebration of the United States Semi quincentennial, reflecting on the nation’s past while inspiring future generations through educational programming and community engagement.
The lecture series will feature three presentations held throughout the summer. Each lecture will begin at 5:30 p.m., with a pre-lecture gathering beginning at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
All lectures will take place on the main floor of the Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion, located at 1305 Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa.
Lecture Dates are June 25, 2026, July 23, 2026, and August 27, 2026.
On June 25, Historic Tuscaloosa will welcome Justice Greg Cook, who will present “Understanding How A Revolution Started and How It Changed After It Succeeded.”
The lecture will explore the causes of the American Revolution and the development of the United States Constitution following independence. Drawing in part from Gordon Wood’s book Power and Liberty: Constitutionalism in the American Revolution, Justice Cook will discuss why the United States adopted a constitutional framework with a relatively strong national government and how it differed from the English system despite surface similarities.
The July 23 lecture will feature Walter Allen presenting “Colonial Surveying in America: 1730s–1795.”
Allen’s presentation will examine the evolution of surveying and land ownership in colonial America, beginning with ancient surveying practices in Egypt and medieval Europe before tracing their influence in the New World. Topics will include township development in the colonies, the use of Gunter’s chain, Revolutionary War land pensions, the Point of Beginning in East Liverpool, Ohio, and stories connected to Robert Steele from Allen’s published works.
The final lecture on August 27 will feature Luisa Kay Reyes presenting “The World Turned Upside Down” – Songs and Ballads from the American Revolution.
Reyes will explore the music and ballads popular during the Revolutionary era, including works by composers such as Handel and Haydn, as well as colonial protest songs and broadsides. Her presentation will discuss how music shaped public sentiment during the Revolution, how familiar folk melodies were adapted to support the Patriot cause, and how military bands influenced colonial audiences despite growing resentment toward British occupation.