Rediscovering America’s Forgotten Founders: Architects of the Constitution

In celebration of Constitution Day, the National Constitution Center explores the lives and legacies of John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson, four “forgotten founders” who played critical roles in drafting the Constitution, shaping the structure of the new government, and securing the document’s ratification. Carol Berkin, author of the National Constitution Center’s definitive short biographies of all 56 signers; Jane E. Calvert, author of Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson; Scott S. Greenberger, author of The Forsaken Founder: Gouverneur Morris, the Unsung Patriot Who Wrote the Constitution, Stood Up to Slavery, and Survived the Reign of Terror; and Jesse Wegman, author of The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution, discuss how these remarkable founders shaped the Constitution and why their ideas continue to resonate in American civic life today. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Carol Berkin, Signers’ Biographies, National Constitution Center Jane E. Calvert, Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson (2024) Scott S. Greenberger, The Forsaken Founder: Gouverneur Morris, the Unsung Patriot Who Wrote the Constitution, Stood Up to Slavery, and Survived the Reign of Terror (2026) Jesse Wegman, The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People's Constitution (2026) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with Live at the National Constitution Center—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠