Lecture with James Traub & Annual Meeting of Friends of John Jay Homestead

James Traub, The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy

The Founders wanted schools to teach students to understand our political system and to engage in reasoned political debate as adults; the Schoolhouse at John Jay Homestead was built for Jay children and also for the children of tenant farmers and farm hands.  Historian, journalist and former Friends of John Jay Homestead speaker on his renowned John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit, Traub spent a year exploring how schools now teach students–or fail to teach them–the essentials of American history and government, as well as how to use that knowledge in respectful, informed debate.  Note: the talk will be preceded by a short business section of our Annual Meeting.

This lecture will be held at Bedford Playhouse (633 Old Post Rd, Bedford, NY) due to ongoing construction at John Jay Homestead.

6:00 – Reception with light refreshments
6:30 – Lecture begins
7:30 – Book signing

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  • May 5, 2026
    6:30 pm - 7:30 pm