Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Center for Constitutional Studies (CCS) is encouraging Utahns to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by reading “1776”by David McCullough.
The yearlong effort, UT Together: Reading “1776,” is part of the CCS’s Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative (CTLI). Participants can access a free reading guide and discussion questions to use in book clubs, classrooms, or public reading activities.
McCullough’s “1776” tells the story of George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolution’s most perilous year. As Washington confronts repeated setbacks and overwhelming British forces, ordinary farmers and merchants become resilient citizen soldiers. Through vivid storytelling and perspectives from both sides, McCullough shows how determined leadership and perseverance kept the American fight for independence alive.
While “1776” does not focus specifically on the Declaration of Independence, the battles of 1776 — which the book does focus on — brought Americans together, solidifying their determination to be a free and self-governed people.
The CCS encourages not only the reading of McCullough’s “1776,” but also the sharing of its impact on Utahns’ understanding of the ideas and principles that inspired the Revolution and the American Founding. Readers can tag @CCSUVU on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram or at the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University on LinkedIn, sharing a photo of themselves with their copy of “1776” and using the hashtag #IRead1776.
Visit the CCS website for more information about UT Together: Reading “1776,” along with a free reading guide and discussion questions.
About CTLI
The Center for Constitutional Studies’ Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative (CTLI) aims to develop the next generation of citizens and civic leaders by cultivating the knowledge, skills, and virtues necessary for a just, free, and flourishing constitutional republic. The CTLI does this by educating students and citizens, supporting K-12 educators, conducting research, and fostering civil discourse. As part of UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies, the CTLI is a nonpartisan endeavor serving Utah and the surrounding regions.
About CCS
The UVU Center for Constitutional Studies (CCS) is a nonpartisan, academic institute that promotes the instruction, study, and research of constitutionalism. The center examines important constitutional issues found at the intersection of political thought, public policy, religion, law, history, and economics.
The CCS employs a multidisciplinary approach to equip a new generation of citizens and leaders with a broad understanding of the ideas and practices critical to the perpetuation of constitutional government, ordered liberty, and the rule of law.
