A Supreme Evening 2026: Honoring America’s Semiquincentennial from a Historical Perspective
Florida Supreme Court Historical Society welcomes Justice Charles Canady and historian Dr. Allen Guelzo for fireside chat
Dr. Allen Guelzo
With the nation preparing to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society is inviting Florida Bar members to join justices, judges, and colleagues from across the state for A Supreme Evening 2026 on January 22 in Tallahassee.
The premier judicial gathering of the New Year will feature a fireside chat between Justice Charles T. Canady and New York Times best-selling author and renowned American historian Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, and include Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz’s annual State of the Court address.
Dr. Guelzo is a professor of Humanities at the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Previously, he was the Thomas W. Smith Distinguished Research Scholar and director of the James Madison Program’s Initiative in Politics and Statesmanship at Princeton University.
The evening will mark 2026 as a milestone year in the nation’s history, with the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
“It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Declaration of Independence, said Justice Canady, who recently announced he is stepping down from the court after 17 years to become the director and a tenured professor of the UF Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. “Two hundred and fifty years ago, for the first time in world history, it established a new nation based on the first principles of the rule of law, unalienable rights, limited government, the social compact, equality, and the right to alter or abolish oppressive government.”
Historical Society President Fred Karlinsky notes, “Dr. Guelzo’s participation in our event amplifies the significance of this commemorative year and brings historical insight to the program.”
Guelzo is widely recognized as the nation’s preeminent Lincoln scholar. His works include “Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President,” four additional volumes on Lincoln and several major studies on American history and public affairs. His commentary frequently appears in national media and is known for connecting historical perspective to modern civic life.
“Sponsorships and dinner reservations for A Supreme Evening help support the Historical Society’s mission to preserve the history of Florida’s highest court and educate the public about our court system,” Karlinsky said.
In addition to statewide recognition for firms supporting the event, sponsor benefits include reserved priority seats during the event; upgraded and premium-level memberships in the Historical Society; and receipts for possible tax deductions as charitable contributions. To become a sponsor of the dinner and for additional event details, visit FlCourtHistory.org/ASupremeEvening2026 or contact the Historical Society office at 850-385-3098.
FSU Dunlap Champions Club will be the site of the event, with doors opening at 5:15 p.m. for a skybox-view reception. Individual dinner reservations are $115 before December 30, $135 from December 30 to January 16, and $155 at the door, if available. A discounted rate of $95 is available to members of the judiciary (current and retired), full-time law school faculty, and students.
Event Details:
Date: January 22, 2026
Location: FSU Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium
Time: 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
RSVP by December 30 for early registration pricing
Registration Link: FlCourtHistory.org/ASupremeEvening2026
For more information, please get in touch with Mark at [email protected].
