Home

The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy is committed to addressing the urgent challenges facing democracy today and creating a future where democracy’s aspirations and its reality are unified. Uniquely situated in one of the nation’s most esteemed public institutions, the Karsh Institute is a catalyst for action and impact that builds upon UVA’s expertise in the study of democracy, public policy, and leadership, and its history as a public institution founded to prepare citizen-leaders to serve as active participants in democracy.

UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

As the British occupied cities from Boston to Savannah during the American Revolution, how was the household crucial for transformation?

UVA's Bond House

Touchstones of Democracy: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026

Showcasing books that expand our understanding of the American Revolution—and illuminate the connections of that period to the present.

As the British occupied cities from Boston to Philadelphia and Savannah during the American Revolution, how did the dynamics of the household become a crucial zone of conflict and transformation? Join us for a conversation with Lauren Duval, Gibson Fellow at the Karsh Institute of Democracy, about her book The Home Front: Revolutionary Households, Military Occupation, and the Making of American Independence. Duval shows how the experiences of occupation in the household shaped the political culture in the new nation around the nature of property and authority, particularly in defining the terms of citizenship. This conversation is moderated by Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and author of A Revolution in Color (2016) and co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of the American Revolution. A limited number of lunches will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11:30 AM. Duval's book will be available for purchase. Parking is not available at Bond House. If you plan to drive, there is paid parking within walking distance at the Oakhurst Inn and Central Grounds Garage. For additional handicap accessible parking spots, consult the <a href="https://clicks.eventbrite.com/f/a/jsaUh1WCaAh8CaPTwlThkg~~/AAQxAQA~/RgRnon1EP0RDaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm0udmlyZ2luaWEuZWR1L2RvY3MvZ2VzL0FEQV9SZWdpb25zX0NlbnRyYWxHcm91bmRzLnBkZlcDc3BjQgplvsRJwWW8xE4kUhJlZDJhdEB2aXJnaW5pYS5lZHVYBAAAAAA~" title="https://clicks.eventbrite.com/f/a/jsaUh1WCaAh8CaPTwlThkg~~/AAQxAQA~/RgRnon1EP0RDaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm0udmlyZ2luaWEuZWR1L2RvY3MvZ2VzL0FEQV9SZWdpb25zX0NlbnRyYWxHcm91bmRzLnBkZlcDc3BjQgplvsRJwWW8xE4kUhJlZDJhdEB2aXJnaW5pYS5lZHVYBAAAAAA~" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">UVA accessibility map</a>.The Nau Lab's “Touchstones of Democracy” series explores key events, places, thinkers, and texts that inform the history and principles of democracy. Leading up to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in July 2026, this event series is showcasing recent books that expand and deepen our understanding of the era of the American Revolution—and illuminate the connections of that period to the present.The spring 2026 conversations are produced at the University of Virginia by the Karsh Institute of Democracy and the College and Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences.<a href="https://karshinstitute.virginia.edu/subscribe" title="https://karshinstitute.virginia.edu/subscribe" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sign up</a> to have news about Karsh Institute events delivered directly to your inbox.

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Home

More events from UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

Discover more events from UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy, from Community to other experiences you might love.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Charlottesville and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Home

More events from UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

Discover more events from UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy, from Community to other experiences you might love.

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Charlottesville and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.