Hello John,

Inspired by the complementary visions of Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton, it will explore the philosophical and humanistic foundations of the conservative tradition in the English-speaking world. In a time when the intellectual reputation of conservatism is increasingly endangered, the scholarship of Kirk and Scruton can help ground and guide us.

In collaboration with Daniel Pitt, an English writer and Sir Roger Scruton’s last student, and Ferenc Hörcher, a prominent Hungarian scholar, we have identified a remarkable assembly of two dozen scholars to address the foundations and prospects for the Anglo-American intellectual conservative tradition.

Over two days, these top thinkers will give talks on conservatism and religion, culture, philosophy, education, history, literature, economics, contemporary challenges, and engage in lively discussion. Speakers include:

Ferenc Hörcher, Ludovika University, Hungary

Daniel Pitt, University of Buckingham

Chris Fear, University of Hull

Emma Webb, English Writer and Broadcaster

Christopher Scalia, American Enterprise Institute

Mathis Bitton, Harvard University

Fisher Derderian, the Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation

Ishaan Jajodia, Yale University

Michael Federici, Middle Tennessee State University

Glenn Moots, Northwood University

James Matthew Wilson, University of St Thomas

Paul Mueller, American Institute for Economic Research

Jeff Polet, Ford Presidential Foundation

Micah Watson, Calvin University

Christina Lambert, Hillsdale College

…And ten other respected thinkers from America and the world! 

This “conservatism in the tradition of Kirk and Scruton” conference is open to the public. There is no charge for attendance, but space is limited. People are signing up from all over the country and world — we just received one reservation from India!

For more information about the conference, including the schedule and logistical FAQ, follow this link. 

Should you have any questions, please contact Emily Corwin, the Kirk Center’s Director of Events, at [email protected].

If you are able to support the Kirk Center for this program, you may do so on the website or by contacting Ashley Jordan, the Center’s donor relations officer, at [email protected].

We intend to publish the conference papers as a book to advance the scholarly literature on Kirk, Scruton, and Burkean tradition of conservatism — and do our part to redeem the time. For those of you can, we hope you will join us at the Ford Foundation on June 27-28 for the opening conference of our School of Conservative Studies!

Hardback of Teaching the Virtues Hot off the Presses! 

The Kirk Center recently published its first book, David Hein’s engaging Teaching the Virtues. As Russell Kirk often noted, the ends of education are wisdom and virtue. But the latter half of that is too often neglected or distorted in our times. And even very good schools struggle to find better ways to teach the virtues. Dr. Hein’s new book meets that need to aid teachers and parents alike. 

Throughout the pages of Teaching the Virtues, you will come to understand why critics such as C. Russell Fletcher III, chairman emeritus of The George C. Marshall Foundation, says that Hein’s “elegantly constructed primer on teaching virtues is a must read for all parents of school-age children.” 

Or, as Richard Brookhiser, author of George Washington on Leadership, says, “Teaching the Virtues is a gateway. Enter it for useful help and hopeful thoughts about teaching, learning, and life. 

And, finally, why Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, exhorts, “This primer on teaching virtue will serve teachers and nonteachers interested in living well and helping others to live well.”

Order Teaching the Virtues today, the first publication of the Kirk Center's new imprint, Mecosta House. 

$50,000 Prize for Free Speech Advocacy, Education, Excellence, or Impact

The Kirk Center now annually awards a $50,000 grand prize that recognizes and encourages the best writing, creative works, actions, and new media communications defending free speech and expression. The second annual Richard D. McLellan Prizes event will take place on Wednesday, November 19, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Nominations are now open for all McLellan Prizes!

I encourage you to nominate worthy candidates for the main McLellan Prize of $50,000. Also, I would encourage promising journalists and scholars to apply for our free speech research and writing grants. These individuals, groups, publications, or organizations will go a long way to advancing our understanding of and appreciation for freedom of speech and all our First Amendment freedoms. More information, including the nomination form, can be found on our website here.

I hope you will consider participating in or supporting the Kirk Center events I’ve mentioned in this letter. More soon on other School of Conservative Studies courses and conferences. 

Sincerely,

Jeffrey O. Nelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director & CEO