Why the Declaration of Independence Still Matters

Hillsdale College

11 March 2026

Dr. Matthew Spalding, Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, sits down with WMAL D.C. talk radio host Larry O’Connor, to kick off their America 250 series. Drawing from Spalding’s new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence, they discuss the American Founding, the Declaration of Independence, and why both still matter 250 years later. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Hillsdale in D.C. professors, co-hosted with WMAL radio host Larry O’Connor. Discover the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, American culture, and more. New episodes every other week!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.