MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University Honors College’s spring 2026 Buchanan Lecture Series will examine the theme of “Revolution,” aligning with national commemorations of the United States Semiquincentennial that marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The series, led this semester by Honors College faculty member and MTSU American Democracy Project Director Amy Sayward, is offered as an Honors course for nearly 50 students, but welcomes the public each Monday at 3 p.m. through April 20.
The Buchanan Lectures are named for the late James M. Buchanan, an MTSU alumnus, Rutherford County native, and recipient of the 1986 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Each semester, the series brings together faculty experts from across campus to explore a single theme from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
“I’m especially excited to celebrate and really examine the idea of revolution during MTSU’s semiquincentennial celebration kicking off this semester,” said Sayward, who will give a virtual course introduction via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 26, due to MTSU’s shift to remote operations because of inclement weather forecasts.
Lectures are held in the Simmons Amphitheater (Room 106) of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, 1737 Blue Raider Drive. There will be no lecture on March 9 due to spring break. The Ezell lot directly behind the Honors College is the most convenient.
Visitors should use campus parking meters or obtain a $4 daily permit from Parking and Transportation Services at 205 City View Drive, or print a visitor pass or pay by plate by visiting https://bit.ly/mtvisitorparking and clicking the appropriate link under “Visitor Parking.” Permits are $4 per day.
This spring’s Buchanan Lecture Series brings together scholars from across MTSU to explore the idea of revolution from historical, political, scientific, artistic and cultural perspectives.
Honors students and community attendees will encounter sessions that examine the American Revolution’s meaning for different communities, the global ripple effects of revolutionary movements, and the evolving interpretations of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence.
Faculty experts from disciplines including history, political science, chemistry, world languages, aerospace, art and design, and music will illuminate how revolutionary change emerges, spreads and reshapes societies.
In addition to classroom lectures, the MTSU semiquincentennial celebration incorporates hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, including a special Boston Evacuation Day event featuring live printing and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a spring concert celebrating American musical traditions. Together, these programs provide students and the public with a multidisciplinary perspective on revolution, examining it as both a historical force and a continuing catalyst for innovation and expression.
View the complete list of lectures at honors.mtsu.edu/lecture-series-spring-2026/. For more information about MTSU’s 250 Celebration initiatives, visit amerdem.mtsu.edu/mtsu-250/.
— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)
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