Join Lewes 250 for a special program marking the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, Thomas Paine’s groundbreaking pamphlet that helped ignite the movement for American independence.
This engaging conversation features Jamie Raskin, who will reflect on Paine’s revolutionary ideas, their historical impact, and their continued relevance today. Congressman Raskin—an admirer of Paine’s work—will be joined in dialogue by legal scholar Ronald Collins, the Lewes Public Library’s Distinguished Lecturer.
When first published in 1776, Common Sense sold more than 120,000 copies in just a few months, making it one of the most influential political writings in American history. This program invites participants to revisit the power of ideas that helped shape a nation.
Browseabout Books will be on-site with copies of Common Sense available for purchase.
About the Speakers
Congressman Jamie Raskin has represented Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary and previously served as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee. Before Congress, he was a three-term Maryland State Senator and a professor of constitutional law at American University’s Washington College of Law for more than 25 years. He is the author of several books, including Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy.
Ronald Collins is a retired law professor, co-founder of the History Book Festival, and Distinguished Lecturer at Lewes Public Library. His most recent book is Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Audience: Adults, Older Adults
Category: Book Discussions
Registration Information
Registration is required.
This session is available via Zoom (In-Person is currently full). You must register and indicate your preferred attendance option.
Online attendance is available (limited seats).
Each individual attending in person must register separately (one person per registration).
Event access details and the Zoom link will be sent via confirmation email after registration. Closed captioning is available for all sessions.
If you need assistance with registration or accessing Zoom, please email the library for support.