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Prospects for Anglo-American Conservatism in the Tradition of Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton


A Special Conference on the Future of Conservative Thought
In Partnership with the Russell Kirk Center

Join us for a distinguished two-day conference, held in collaboration with the Russell Kirk Center, as we delve into the enduring relevance—and uncertain future—of the Anglo-American intellectual conservative tradition.

Guided by the complementary legacies of Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton, this event will explore the philosophical and humanistic roots of conservatism in the English-speaking world. From culture and religion to education and public life, we will examine the tradition’s vital contributions—and the challenges it now faces in a rapidly shifting intellectual landscape.

At a time when the reputation of conservatism is often mischaracterized or dismissed, the insights of Kirk and Scruton offer clarity, depth, and a much-needed moral compass.

Jeffrey O. Nelson, Ferenc Hörcher, and Daniel Pitt have brought together a global roster of scholars—alongside a rising generation of fresh voices—to reflect on the past, present, and future of this rich intellectual tradition. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with some of the leading thinkers shaping the next chapter of conservative thought.

Details on Attending

Where

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

When

Date: Friday, June 27 - Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: See conference agenda below for times.

Program Supporters

Thank you to the following supporters who are helping bring this event to the Ford:

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

  • Paul Mueller, American Institute for Economic Research

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, Scruton Legacy Society

10:30-11:00 a.m.

Refreshment Break

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 4: Conservatism and Religion

  • Ronen Shoval, Argaman Institue for Advanced Studies, Jerusalem

  • 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, Honorary Research Fellow at the 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

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