Conviction & Conscience: James Madison and the Pursuit of

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Join us as Montpelier celebrates National Religious Freedom Day! Rediscover the importance of liberty of conscience and how Madison's convictions shaped the course of religious freedom in Virginia, the nation, and the world.

James Madison, principle architect of the Bill of Rights and First Amendment, shaped the development of religious freedom in the U.S. more than any other individual. Today, religious freedom remains a cornerstone of American democracy. It is a fundamental human right that is all to often violated or taken for granted. In honor of Madison's singular achievements, Montpelier is hosting a free afternoon lecture program followed by optional themed tours of the House for $20/participant.

Lecture Program: "Conviction & Conscience: James Madison and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom" featuring John Ragosta and Dan Carlton

Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Location: James Madison's Montpelier, David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, Grand Salon

Cost: Lectures are free but registration is required

John Ragosta, historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, shines a light on Madison's contributions as he discusses the development of religious freedom in Virginia and the United States.
Dan Carlton, pastor of Culpeper Baptist Church, discusses the role and legacies of dissenting Baptist ministers in Culpeper, Virginia, in the national story of religious freedom. Many scholars believe that their persecution propelled Madison into his lifelong career in politics and pursuit of religious freedom.

Exclusive Specialty Tour of the House: Conviction & Conscience

Start Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $20.00 per participant
Add-on when registering for the lecture
In this specialty 45-minute tour of the House, explore how and why James Madison's convictions led him to pursue the establishment of religious liberty in this nation. Trace Madison's thoughts and contributions from his earliest days drafting the first Virginia Declaration of Rights to the passage of the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment.

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Speakers

John Ragosta, interim director and historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS) at Monticello and a fellow at Virginia Humanities

John Ragosta, a historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, has taught law and history at the University of Virginia, George Washington University, and Hamilton, Oberlin, and Randolph Colleges. Dr. Ragosta’s newest book – For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle – was released in August of 2023 by the University of Virginia Press. He is also the author of Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed (UVA Press, 2013), and Wellspring of Liberty: How Virginia’s Religious Dissenters Helped to Win the American Revolution & Secured Religious Liberty (Oxford University Press, 2010). He is co-editor of European Friends of the American Revolution (UVA, 2023) and The Founding of Thomas Jefferson’s University (UVA, 2019).

An award-winning author and frequent commentator, Ragosta holds both a PhD and a JD from the University of Virginia. Before returning to academia, Dr. Ragosta was a partner at Dewey Ballantine LLP. He is also a beekeeper. He can be found at www.johnaragosta.com

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Dan Carlton, Pastor for Culpeper Baptist Church

Dan is originally from Richmond, VA and is married to Emily and they have 3 adult children. He received his Bachelor’s from Averett University, Master of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Palmer Theological Seminary. Dan has served as a pastor for over 30 years. In August, 2014 Dan was called to serve as Pastor at Culpeper Baptist. Dan enjoys reuniting historic churches with their “birth story” and helping them renew their story for today. Dan serves on multiple boards - the Board of Trustees at Averett University, the Board of LifeSpire of Virginia and the Culpeper Wellness Foundation.

Culpeper Baptist Church has a rich history dating back to 1774, rooted in the principles of religious liberty. Its founders, like pastor Nathaniel Saunders and pastor John Leland, made courageous stands for freedom of belief. They continue their legacy today by embracing their past while focusing on the present and the future.