The Franklin Society is back!
The Franklin Society at Fancy Hill is dedicated to civil, substantive debate: a tradition once central to the intellectual life of Rockbridge County and now renewed for a new generation. Founded in 1800 as an esteemed forum for books, learning, and public discussion, the Society helped shape generations through serious engagement with the great questions of its day.
Today, at a time when civil discourse is increasingly rare and meaningful debate is often replaced by division or silence, the need for such a forum has become more urgent. Institutions of higher education are tasked with forming thoughtful leaders, yet opportunities for rigorous, respectful disagreement are often limited.
The Generals Redoubt is working to meet that need.
Through its programs at Fancy Hill, TGR is investing in a distinctive model of intellectual formation: small, invitation-based gatherings in a Jeffersonian format emphasizing civil discourse. The Franklin Society brings together students, faculty, alumni, and friends to engage one another across differences, to refine their thinking, and to develop the habits of mind necessary for leadership. These evenings — structured around formal dinner and moderated debate — are designed not only to examine important questions, but to cultivate judgment, character, and the ability to reason together.
In reviving the Franklin Society, TGR seeks to restore a tradition of serious inquiry, respectful disagreement, and shared pursuit of truth, one that prepares students not only to succeed, but to lead. We also look forward to setting an example of intellectual curiosity for our community’s institutions of higher learning to adopt and embrace. We invite you to join us in that effort by exploring the information below or contacting us for more information!
History
The Franklin Society was founded in 1800 in Rockbridge County — under an earlier name — as a forum for books, learning, and civil discourse. It formed part of a broader national movement, as debating and literary societies emerged across the young republic to cultivate intellectual life and civic engagement.
Over the course of the nineteenth century, the Society underwent several changes in name before ultimately being designated the “Franklin Society,” in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the patriot and champion of education. Until its disbandment in 1891, the Society stood at the center of intellectual life in Lexington, bringing together approximately 730 members over its history.
Membership featured such distinguished figures as Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, John Letcher, Samuel McDowell Reid, Henry Ruffner, and Robert E. Lee.
Why Benjamin Franklin?
The Franklin Society went through several names before settling on naming the society in honor of Benjamin Franklin. This choice was a nod to Franklin’s intellectual and patriotic pursuits. His reputation of patriotism was cemented through his participation in the American Revolution and the following Constitutional Convention. Franklin also dedicated his efforts towards intellectual callings. He founded the first public library in America as well as set up other literary societies similar to the Franklin Society. His enthusiasm for learning was also reflected in his founding the Pennsylvania Gazette and the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was also seen as a man of the people, everyone from the poor to the rich. Franklin belonged to all Americans.
A Promise for Civility and Mutual Respect
At the outset of each meeting, all participants in the Franklin Society subscribe to the Society’s traditional “Promise,” affirming their commitment to orderly conduct, mutual respect, and the avoidance of remarks made in “derision or contumely.” This pledge is more than a formality; it establishes the conditions necessary for genuine inquiry and civil discourse. In this respect, it parallels Washington and Lee’s Honor System—a shared understanding that meaningful intellectual life depends upon trust, integrity, and personal responsibility. By taking the Promise, participants reaffirm these principles and help sustain a forum in which difficult questions may be examined with seriousness, candor, and respect.
FAQs
-
The purpose of the Franklin Society is to facilitate civil discourse and public debate.
-
Just register using the sign-up link on The Generals Redoubt website.
-
Anyone who is willing to share their ideas respectfully is eligible to participate!
-
Each debate opens with a dinner at 5:30 for the participants to get to know each other and enjoy a delicious meal. Around 6:30, the participants will move into one of the adjoining parlors to begin the debate.
-
The debates are held at Fancy Hill (3719 S. Lee Hwy, Glasgow VA 24555)
-
Yes! Any student who wants to participate and needs a ride can reach out to kamron@thegeneralsredoubt.us or jarredondo@mail.wlu.edu.
-
Debates will be a formal event with chapel attire.
Upcoming Debates
More News on the Franklin Society…
Franklin Society Minutes
