About

As Virginia and the nation commemorate 250 years, the 2026 Wilder Symposium will bring together distinguished leaders and scholars to consider what Virginia's history can teach us about democratic leadership, civic life and the future of the commonwealth.

Presented by the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, "Virginia at 250: Leadership, Democracy and the Future of Our Commonwealth" will feature Governor L. Douglas Wilder, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, political analyst Larry Sabato and Wilder School Interim Dean and Commonwealth Poll Director Robyn McDougle in conversation with moderator Bob Holsworth.

Together, the panelists will explore lessons from Virginia's past, the challenges facing democratic institutions today and the choices that will shape the commonwealth's next 250 years.

The symposium is free and open to the public. A reception will be held from 4:30–5 p.m., followed by the symposium from 5–7 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the program will also be available via livestream.