This opening session examines the tension between the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the reality of American slavery at the nation’s founding. Through primary sources, participants will explore how leading founders grappled with slavery in a republic built on liberty and equality.

TAH’s online seminars bring social studies educators together each month on select Saturdays from 10:45 AM–12 PM ET for focused and content-rich discussions. Registrants receive a curated reading packet with primary source excerpts, access to a pre-seminar discussion board, and on-demand seminar recordings with additional source materials. For professional development, participants earn documented acknowledgement of their digital engagement.

The Declaration, the Constitution, and Slavery