When most think of the Founding Fathers, names like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin come to mind.
However, Chief Justice John Marshall is often over looked.
The Hamilton Historical Society of Kentucky is hoping to change this with their upcoming symposium Sat. Jan. 19. in Ekstrom’s, Chao Auditorium at 10:30 a.m.
Founded in 2006 by University of Louisville alumni Lynn Olympia, the Hamilton Historical Society of Kentucky is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the Founding Fathers’ political philosophy. This is the second historical society Olympia has founded, the first being the Beargrass-St. Matthews Historical Society.
The Society, which meets the third Saturday of every month at the Eline Library, consists of about 40 members who discuss the latest studies on the Founding Father’s political philosophy, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and related topics. Most members are retired professionals, however the meetings do draw many pre-law and history students from colleges throughout the area.
Olympia who is also president, hopes that the upcoming symposium will help to increase awareness of Chief Justice Marshall’s impact on the development of the U.S. Constitution during his time in the Supreme Court and the legacy he left for today’s judicial system.
“We feel it is important to bring this to the attention of the students and public since the decisions of the Supreme Court affect everyone’s life at some point,” said Olympia.
The primary focus of the symposium will be Marshall’s influence on the modern issue of eminent domain, the inherent power of the state to seize a citizen’s private property. The timing of the symposium coincides with the early stages of the construction on the East End Bridge in Prospect, KY, a prime example of eminent domain in action.
The symposium will consist of an eight-minute segment from a PBS special on the Supreme Court, followed by a historical overview of Marshall’s role in setting forth the principle of Judicial Review by Dr. Thomas Mackey a professor of history and constitutional law at U of L.
After Mackey, a panel consisting of Judge Michael McDonald, Senator Scott Miller, and Jane Lollis an attorney specializing in eminent domain will discuss relevant local cases surrounding the issue of eminent domain and be open for questions from the audience.
Former chair of the political science department Dr. Charles Zeigler will serve as the moderator and facilitator of the event.
“The main focus is really what John Marshall had done for setting the course for the Judicial system, and bringing that forward to some more modern usages,” said Lollis. “The founding fathers had a huge impact on what we are, and we are still wrestling with a lot of the issues they dealt with.”
Olympia said she is glad to hold the symposium at U of L, and is thankful for the cooperation of the university.
Though she graduated 20 years ago, she said she still sees the campus as a home away from home, adding she welcomes students to attend the event, hoping they might then share the insights of Mackey and the panelists with their family and friends.
In addition to the cooperation of U of L, the Society has received help from the John Marshall Foundation of Richmond, Virginia for this symposium.
Said Judge McDonald, “The University of Louisville is the seat of learning in the community and this an excellent exercise in academics, a perfect opportunity to learn from a real experience.”
This is by no means the first event sponsored by the Society. A year ago they co-sponsored a program on Alexander Hamilton with the Louisville Free Public Library, which had over 250 people in attendance.
They have already scheduled history professors from U of L, Bellarmine University, the Federalist Society, and the State Historian to speak in 2008.
On Jan. 18, WUOL FM National Public Radio will broadcast a live interview with the participants.
Admission is free and there will be on campus parking available the morning of the event.
