For America’s 250th anniversary, AHA has recruited new Road Scholar speakers to offer talks on America’s, and Alabama’s founding history. Apply now to bring one of these speakers to your town!
Learn moreIn 2026, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s first founding document, the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate, the Alabama Humanities Alliance will offer an extra slate of grants and programming in 2026, including new Road Scholar talks related to America’s founding era.
These talks, by scholars and storytellers from AHA’s Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, highlight topics and stories related to America’s (and Alabama’s) founding history.
Below, find out more about each of our newest “250 Scholars.” And check back as 2026 approaches, with more speakers and presentations to be added!
Mike Bunn is director of Historic Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort. Author of several books on Gulf South history, his talk is adapted from his book, Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During the Revolutionary Era.
Meet Mike
Michael Burger is a professor of history at Auburn University at Montgomery. He has a pair of talks examining the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the civilizations and documents from ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe that inspired it.
Meet Michael
Joyce Cauthen was the 1st executive director of the Alabama Folklife Association. Her research on early American/Alabama fiddle music led to her toe-tapping talk (with music!): "Fiddlers, Banjo Players & Strawbeaters: Alabama’s First Pop Musicians."
Meet Joyce
Gary Furr is a theologian, author, and musician, who spent 41 years as a pastor. His “America at 250” talk explores "Religion and The First Amendment: Separation of Church and State in Historical Perspective.”
Meet Gary
Tom Osborne is a retired history professor from the University of North Alabama. His talk explores the Yazoo Land Scandal that led to an expulsion of Native Americans in the Southeast, a landmark Supreme Court case, and the birth of Alabama politics
Meet Tom
Christine Sears is an associate professor of history at UAH, specializing in the early American republic. Her “America at 250” talks explore an array of topics that highlight Americans’ fears, fallacies, and aspirations as our country took shape.
Meet Christine