New Perspectives on the Northwest Ordinance: Keynote Address by Annette Gordon‑Reed
Register Here to Attend
Date:
Jan 31, 2026
Location:
The Fawcett Center
2400 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Time: 7:30 pm
In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary, The Ohio State University, in partnership with the America 250‑Ohio Commission, invites the public to a keynote address by Annette Gordon‑Reed, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and one of the nation’s most respected voices on the complexities of American history.
Ohio holds a unique place in the American story as the first state formed from the Northwest Territory, making the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 a foundational document for both the state and the nation. In this keynote, Gordon‑Reed explores the Ordinance’s lasting significance—its democratic ideals, its role in shaping westward expansion and governance, and the contradictions that continue to influence conversations about freedom, citizenship, and justice.
This event encourages audiences to reflect on the origins of American democracy, the promises made at the nation’s founding, and how those ideas have evolved over time. As America approaches its semiquincentennial, the keynote offers an opportunity to consider how history helps inform our shared future.
Presented as part of the “New Perspectives on the Northwest Ordinance” conference, this public program is free and open to all, with complimentary on‑site parking available.
For more information, please visit:
Mershon Center for International Security Studies: New Perspectives on the Northwest Ordinance