The Michael J. Colligan History Project
The Michael J. Colligan History Project is a joint undertaking of the Colligan Fund Committee of the Hamilton Community Foundation and the Hamilton Campus of Miami University made possible by the generous bequest of Michael J. Colligan, a prominent local businessman and amateur historian.
Since 2000 the Colligan History Project has brought over one hundred speakers to Hamilton, sponsored programs with schools and public libraries, and given awards for achievements in history. We welcome partnerships with institutions and groups serving the Hamilton community who are interested in historical perspectives. Since 2002 we have presented the John E. Dolibois History Prize to nine distinguished historians for substantial and sustained efforts to promote historical understanding in the community and nation. The Jim Blount History Educator Award is given to teachers who exemplify the outstanding commitment to history and education epitomized in Mr. Blount’s life and career. In accord with Mr. Colligan’s interests, we also offer programs regularly that relate to military history.
Learn about upcoming Michael J. Colligan History Project events on the mjcolligan project blog.
Richard Brookhiser
Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Parrish Auditorium
1601 University Blvd
Hamilton, OH 45011
Richard Brookhiser is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, a senior editor of “National Review,” and a columnist for “American History”. He is the author of “Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution” (Yale University Press, 2024), and host of “John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Supreme Court,” a film by Leo Eaton (summer 2020).
His other books include “Give Me Liberty: A History of America’s Exceptional Idea” (Basic Books, 2019); “John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Supreme Court” (Basic Books, 2018); “Founders’ Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln” (Basic Books, 2014); and of seven other books on revolutionary America: “Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington” (Free Press, 1997); “Rules of Civility: The 110 Precepts That Guided Our First President in War and Peace” (University of Virginia Press, 2003); “Alexander Hamilton, American” (Simon & Schuster, 2000); “America’s First Dynasty: The Adamses 1735-1918” (Free Press, 2002); “Gentleman Revolutionary: Gouverneur Morris, the Rake Who Wrote the Constitution” (Free Press, 2004); “What Would the Founders Do? Our Questions, Their Answers” (Basic Books, 2007); and “George Washington on Leadership” (Basic Books, 2008).
He is the author and host of two films for PBS by Michael Pack: “Rediscovering George Washington” (2002) and “Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton” (2011). He was the historian curator of “Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America,” a 2004 exhibition at the New-York Historical Society. In 2008, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal.
Program generously supported by Hamilton Community Foundation and America 250-Ohio.
