WAU Honors College Hosts “Declaration at 250” Conference

Washington Adventist University’s Honors College recently welcomed scholars, students, educators, and members of the public for “The Declaration at 250: Historical Context. Contemporary Relevance,” a five-day conference commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Held June 30–July 4, the conference brought together distinguished historians, legal scholars, and thought leaders from a wide range of institutions. Featured presenters represented George Washington University, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Library of Congress, and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, alongside faculty from Seventh-day Adventist institutions including Andrews University, Pacific Union College, Oakwood University, and Washington Adventist University. Additional participants included leaders from the General Conference and North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists who discussed the impact the Declaration had on early SDA leaders and the role it has played in our church as a whole. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, attendees explored the Declaration’s historical origins, philosophical foundations, legal significance, religious dimensions, global influence, and enduring relevance.

Taking advantage of the university’s proximity to the nation’s capital, attendees also participated in immersive educational visits to Monticello, the Library of Congress, and other historic sites, connecting scholarly discussion with the places where the story of American independence unfolded.

“Our goal was to create an experience that extended beyond the pages of a historical document,” said Dr. Jonathan Scriven, Associate Director of the Honors College and conference organizer. “As a Seventh-day Adventist University, we believe it is important to engage history thoughtfully and honestly—celebrating the Declaration’s enduring ideals of liberty, equality, and human dignity while also recognizing that the nation has not always lived up to those principles. Understanding both its aspirations and its imperfections helps us better appreciate our history and challenges us to continue advancing the principles it so powerfully articulated.”

Hosted by the WAU Honors College, the conference reflected the university’s commitment to academic excellence, civic discourse, and the thoughtful exploration of ideas that continue to shape public life both in the United States and around the world.

WAU is grateful for the support they received for this event from the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Columbia Union Conference, Founders’ First Freedom, and the Versacare Foundation,

For a full list of presentations and panels (including presenter biographies), visit the event website here.