Richard Beeman talked about his book Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution (Random House; March 17, 2009). His book has a day-by-day account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. He explores the contentious debate that took place in the shaping of the document and profiles the men who engaged in its writing. Professor Beeman talked on stage about some of the key people, including those he thinks should be more well-known, and some of the issues, such as slavery. He was interviewed by Joe Torsella. He also answered questions from members of the audience.

Richard Beeman is the author of several books on history, including Varieties of Political Experience in Eighteenth-Century America. Professor Beeman is a trustee and vice-chair of the Distinguished Scholars Panel of the National Constitution Center. 

This program was held on March 23, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall Overlook of the National Constitution Center.