Mount Vernon announces Washington Forum for 2026

The city of Mount Vernon announced a new public civic engagement initiative for 2026 – The Washington Forum: A Year of Civic Leadership & Stewardship, presented in partnership with the Center for the Study of American Democracy at Kenyon College.

Beginning in January 2026, the Washington Forum will offer monthly public programs throughout the year, each focused on meaningful, timely topics related to civic life, governance, history, and the responsibilities of citizenship in the American Republic. The series is designed to foster thoughtful dialogue, cross-generational learning, and a deeper understanding of the institutions and principles that shape public life at the local, state and national levels.

All programming in the Washington Forum will be guided through the lens of character, prudence and public virtue – core qualities exemplified by the Father of our Country, George Washington. Washington’s vision of responsible self-government, principled leadership and civic responsibility will serve as the unifying framework for each session.

The city and Kenyon College view this series as an opportunity to engage residents in constructive, educational conversations that strengthen civic understanding and reinforce the importance of public service and community stewardship.

First quarter 2026 schedule:

• January – The Future of the American Republic: Renewal, Stability & Civic Responsibility. An opening session reflecting on the enduring foundations of the American constitutional republic and the civic habits and institutions necessary to preserve ordered liberty. That event will be Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House.

Also as part of the series:

Thursday, Jan. 22, 4:10 p.m., Community Foundation Theater — Michael Clune, professor, Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, The Ohio State University.

Monday, Jan.26, 7:30 p.m., Archon Auditorium — "Free Expression in the University," Amna Khalid, professor of history, Carleton College, and Jeff Snyder, professor of educational studies, Carleton College.

• February – Ohio’s Role in Shaping the Nation: Mother of Presidents. An exploration of Ohio’s outsized historic influence on national leadership, public policy, and practical problem-solving rooted in the Buckeyes in the White House.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m., Archon Auditorium — "Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right," Laura K. Field, senior advisor with the illiberalism studies program, George Washington University.

Monday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., Archon Auditorium — "The Future of the Western Alliance," Ambassador Ivo Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

• March – How Local Government Really Works: From City Hall to Congress. A clear and accessible overview of how local, state and federal governments function, emphasizing accountability and the importance of community-centered self-government.

Wednesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., Archon Auditorium — "The Failure of Liberalism," Lily Geismer, professor of history, Claremont McKenna College.

Additional sessions will continue monthly until December 2026. Speakers, locations, dates and event details will be announced on a rolling basis, and the city’s website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

The city of Mount Vernon invites residents, students, educators and community leaders to follow the Washington Forum throughout the year and to participate in these engaging public discussions.

For updates and future announcements, please visit the city of Mount Vernon’s website and official social media channels.