The US Declaration of Independence, and thus democracy in America, is turning 250 years old in 2026. Although the document is just a ten-minute read in this talk, Ray Curtis, a James Madison fellow and American government educator for nearly 40 years, digs into the Declaration and its meaning. Ray further explores the evolution, over the past two centuries, of the democratic government created by the American Founders. 

Perhaps more importantly, he discusses all which is required of a citizen in a democracy, while wondering the same thing Benjamin Franklin did at the end of the Constitutional Convention: could Americans keep their new representative democracy? Ray wants citizens to know that they can IF they realize, as Baron de Montesquieu did that ‘in a democracy a citizen is everything.’ Additionally, using his knowledge Ray will also do his best to address audience questions regarding the foundations of American government. 

This free admission event will take place in The History Museum & Research Center’s Ozark Club event room on Second Saturday, February 14 at 1pm.

For nearly 40 years educator Ray Curtis has taught about American government to students ranging from middle school, Boy's State, to AP Government to, most recently, university students at FVCC, UM, and Missoula College in classes anywhere from 10 to 125 students. 

He is a James Madison Fellow (https://www.jamesmadison.gov/ ) with an MIS in American Constitutional history and education from the University of Montana.