Topic: A Young Patriot: James Monroe Turns 18 in 1776
When: Tuesday 4/28/2026 at 2:00 pm ET
Join us as we step back to 1776 and explore a pivotal moment in American history through the eyes of a young James Monroe.
On his 18th birthday, April 28, 1776, Monroe was preparing to take up arms in the Revolutionary War, driven by a fierce sense of patriotism and hope for a new nation. We’ll dive into his early life, the challenges he faced as a teen soldier, and how these formative experiences shaped the fifth President of the United States. Don’t miss this inspiring story of courage, youth, and the birth of a nation.
Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!
Meet the Guest
Scott Harris
Scott H. Harris is Executive Director of Museums at the University of Mary Washington (UMW), comprising Gari Melchers Home and Studio, the James Monroe Museum, and the Papers of James Monroe. He is also Director of UMW’s William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture series.
Previously, Scott was Director of the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and Director of Historic Resources for the City of Manassas. He has also worked for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Preservation Virginia.
Scott received his BA with honors in History and Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington in 1983. In 1988 he received an MA in History and Museum Administration from the College of William and Mary. He is a graduate of the Seminar for Historical Administration and the Kellogg Leadership Institute at Northwestern University.
Scott is a past president of the Virginia Association of Museums; serves on the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums; and is an editorial advisor and frequent contributor to the White House Historical Association’s journal, White House History Quarterly.