Jesse Wegman | The Lost Founder
Jesse Wegman presents *The Lost Founder*, his account of James Wilson, an influential yet largely forgotten Founding Father. In conversation with Patrick Spero, Ph.D., Wegman examines Wilson’s role in the struggle for independence, the drafting and adoption of the Constitution, and the development of American ideas about popular sovereignty, presidential power, and the federal government.
Wilson argued that political authority ultimately comes from the people. He supported a strong central government and presidency, while unsuccessfully advocating for direct election of the president and Senate. Although he helped shape the Constitution and became one of the first Supreme Court justices, his career ended in financial ruin after reckless land speculation. Wegman contends that Wilson’s scandal and death while hiding from creditors should not overshadow the importance of his political thought or its relevance to the present day.
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Showtime: 7:00 P.M.
Venue: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
Tickets: $5.00
Program: Jesse Wegman in conversation with Patrick Spero, Ph.D., as part of the Author Events Series
Presenter: Jesse Wegman is a Brennan Center for Justice senior fellow who writes about Supreme Court reform and constitutional amendments. He previously served on the *New York Times* editorial board from 2013 through 2025, covering law, politics, the Supreme Court, democracy, and electoral reform. His earlier book is *Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College*, published in 2020.
Conversation Partner: Patrick Spero, Ph.D., is the chief executive officer of the American Philosophical Society and a scholar of early American history. He has written four books about the American Revolution era, including works on early Pennsylvania, the American independence movement in the West, the André Michaux and Thomas Jefferson conspiracy, and Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with the American Philosophical Society.
Books: Copies of *The Lost Founder* will be available for purchase at the library on the night of the event.
Ages: Adult
Accessibility: ADA-accessible seating is available. Attendees who need wheelchair seating or other accommodations should contact authorevents@freelibrary.org in advance.
Registration Note: The library encourages attendees to make a donation when registering to support the Author Events Series.
Ticket Policy: Tickets are non-refundable.
Contact: 215-567-4341