From the Enlightenment through the Early Republic, real scientific breakthroughs existed alongside dubious or speculative claims. Exploring debates between Federalists and Jeffersonians, Oberle looks at why "critical judgment, not just access, is what creates an informed public."

Speakers, objects and hands-on activities will fill multiple rooms in the Fairfax County Government Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, for an all-day history event exploring Fairfax County's experience of the American Revolution. Tied to the nation's 250th birthday, the program includes talks by three George Mason University history professors with ties to the Center for Mason Legacies as well as several CML graduate students.