Prospects for Anglo-American Conservatism in the Tradition of Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton
Join us on June 27 and 28, 2025, for a very special conference that considers the contemporary prospects for the Anglo-American intellectual conservative tradition.
 
​Inspired by the complementary visions of Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton, this conference explores the humanistic and philosophical foundations of the conservative tradition in the English-speaking world. It also explores the conservative contribution to culture, religion, education, and more. In a time when the intellectual reputation of conservatism is increasingly endangered, the scholarship of Kirk and Scruton can help ground and guide us.
 
Jeffrey O. Nelson, Ferenc Hörcher, and Daniel Pitt have identified scholars from around the globe and across the United States to address the prospects for the Anglo-American intellectual conservative tradition through the prism of these two iconic and complementary thinkers—and the traditions of thought they represent. These scholars will be joined by some of the most promising members of the rising generation.
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Conference Agenda

Friday, June 27

12:30-1:00 p.m. Registration

1:00-1:30 p.m. Welcome by Gleaves Whitney, Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

1:30-3:00 p.m. Session 1: The Philosophical Foundations of Conservatism

  • James Matthew Wilson, University of St. Thomas, Houston
  • Michael Federici, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Micah Watson, Calvin University

3:00-3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Session 2: Friends of the Permanent Things

  • Jeff Nelson, The Russell Kirk Center
  • Timothy Fuller, Colorado College
  • Michael Lucchese, Law & Liberty
  • Christina Lambert, Hillsdale College

Saturday, June 28

8:30-9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00–10:30 a.m. Session 3: Conservatism and Cultural Renewal

  • Ferenc Hörcher, Ludovika University/University of Hull/Institute of Philosophy of the HUN-REN
  • Christopher Scalia, AEI
  • Ishaan Jajodia, Yale University
  • Fisher Derderian, The Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation

10:30-11:00 a.m. Refreshment Break

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Session 4: Conservatism and Religion

  • Shoval Ronen, Princeton University
  • Glenn Moots, Northwood University
  • Emma Webb, Writer & Broadcaster
  • Mathis Bitton, Harvard University

12:30-2:30 p.m. Lunch – On Your Own

2:30-4:00 p.m. Session 5: Conservatism and Education

  • Daniel Pitt, University of Buckingham
  • Darrell Falconburg, The Russell Kirk Center
  • Matt Beech, University of Hull
  • Ben Lockerd, Grand Valley State University

4:00-4:30 p.m. Refreshment Break

4:30-6:00 p.m. Session 6: Kirk, Scruton, and Contemporary Conservatism

  • Jeff Polet, Ford Presidential Foundation
  • John Grove, Law & Liberty
  • Bracy Bersnak, Christendom College
  • Chris Fear, University of Hull

6:00-6:15 p.m. Closing Remarks by Jeff Nelson, Executive Director of the Russell Kirk Center

Conference location:

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA

Conference FAQ and Logistics

Airport:
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a 15-20 minute drive from downtown.

Ground Transportation:
Please visit the GRR Ground Transportation page to see ground transportation options, including car rentals, Uber/Lyft, and public transportation.

Conference Location:

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
303 Pearl Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking:
There is a free parking lot at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. There are also several city parking garages or lots within walking distance.

Hotels:
We do not have a room block at a hotel, but there are several hotel options within walking distance of the conference location including, but not limited to the options below.

Holiday Inn
310 Pearl Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-235-7611

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-774-2000

JW Marriott Hotel
235 Louis Campau Promenade NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

AC Hotel
50 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-776-3200

City Flats
83 Monroe Center Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-828-4950

Restaurants:
Refreshments will be provided in the morning and afternoon, but meals are not included. There are many restaurants in the downtown area including, but not limited to those listed below.

Conference Location Map

Event Co-Sponsors

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