Fergus Bordewich on Centennial and the Great Fair of 1876

Fergus Bordewich on Centennial and the Great Fair of 1876

Author: National Constitution Center August 20, 2026 Duration: 1:19:52
In this episode, prize-winning author and historian Fergus M. Bordewich discusses his latest book, Centennial: The Great Fair of 1876 and the Invention of America’s Future, which explores the story of the nation’s 100th birthday and the first world’s fair. Bordewich traces the lives of President Rutherford B. Hayes, the inventor Alexander Graham Bell, railroad magnate Tom Scott, and the African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis—revealing a country striving to live up to the promise of the founders while bracing for the tidal wave of the 20th century. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitutional Center, moderates.  Resources  Fergus M. Bordewich, Centennial: The Great Fair of 1876 and the Invention of America’s Future (2026)  Fergus M. Bordewich, Klan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction (2023)  Fergus M. Bordewich, Congress at War: How Republican Reformers Fought the Civil War, Defied Lincoln, Ended Slavery, and Remade America (2020)  Fergus M. Bordewich, The First Congress: How James Madison, George Washington, and a Group of Extraordinary Men Invented the Government (2016)  Fergus M. Bordewich, America’s Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise that Preserved the Union (2012)  The Hayes-Tilden Election of 1876, Live at the National Constitution Center (Oct 13, 2020) Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen.  Questions or comments? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate.  Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Hosted by National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, We the People is a weekly conversation that digs into the constitutional questions shaping the country right now. This isn't just a history lesson, though historical context is always part of the discussion. Instead, each episode brings together leading voices-legal scholars, journalists, public officials, and advocates-to engage in thoughtful, civil debate. You'll hear genuine dialogue where participants articulate and defend their positions, offering a clearer understanding of the complex legal and philosophical principles at stake. The goal is to move beyond headlines and soundbites, providing a forum where the best arguments from all sides are presented with depth and respect. Tuning into this podcast feels like sitting in on a crucial discussion at the intersection of law, politics, and society, one that illuminates how the Constitution actively influences contemporary American life. Produced by the National Constitution Center, it serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their grasp of the nation's founding document and its powerful, ongoing role in our public discourse.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

We the People
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