Mark Levin Donates Rare First Edition of The Federalist Papers to Hillsdale College

November 16, 2015 – Washington, D.C.

Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship today received a rare first edition of the Federalist Papers. The document was donated to the College from the family of nationally syndicated radio talk-show host Mark R. Levin. The first edition is one of only 500 copies commissioned by Alexander Hamilton in 1787, and will be on display at the Kirby Center beginning Nov. 17.

“The Federalist Papers represent a great source of the political thought of America’s Founders, and the best explanation and defense of the Constitution as understood by the Founders themselves,” said Dr. Matthew Spalding, associate vice president and dean of educational programs at the Kirby Center. “I invite everyone — especially members of Congress and their staff members who are only blocks away — to visit the Kirby Center and see this rare book as a prelude to learning more about American constitutionalism.”

“Hillsdale College is a bright, shining beacon of hope for the salvation of America’s principles,” said Levin, host of Westwood One’s The Mark Levin Show. “I can think of no better place than the Kirby Center to display this document for all to see. I’m thrilled to give this opportunity to the faculty, students, and visitors of the College’s D.C. campus.”

The exhibition is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on weekdays. Please call the Center at (202) 600-7300 ahead of your planned visit to ensure there are no conflicts with Kirby events and closures.

The Federalist Papers is a series of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay between Oct. 27, 1787 and Aug. 16, 1788 to persuade the voters of New York to adopt the United States Constitution. The writings explain the philosophy and defend the advantages of the U.S. Constitution.

The copy on display is titled, The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, written in favour of the new Constitution, agreed upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787. It was printed in New York by J. and A. McLean in 1788 and contains two volumes bound in one, a rare variation of the book.

Download Press Release