Tony Williams – Professional Development Instructor
twilliams@billofrightsinstitute.org
“I love the simple pleasure of reading books with a good cup of coffee and hiking in the mountains for hours.”
From the moment he walked into the “House that Ruth Built” at seven years old, Tony has loved the New York Yankees and the tradition of excellence they have built over the past century. He had shared his love for the game with his son, who loves to play and analyze baseball. When he isn’t attending games, Tony is sharing his passion for the ideas and documents of the American Founding to teachers across the country. Tony lives with his wife and two kids in Williamsburg and spends much of his time driving his children to various sports and activities when he is not engrossed in a history book. He holds an M.A. in U.S. History from Ohio State University and a B.A. in History from Syracuse. Tony has authored five published books and numerous other articles.
Founder: My favorite Founding Father is George Washington because he exhibited a virtuous character, constantly served the republic as general and statesman, and always surrendered power.
Favorite BRI Memory: I have spoken to many young teachers bursting with enthusiasm about teaching our materials in their classrooms. That’s why I do what I do.
Favorite Book: I love reading and collecting books. Some of my favorites include Homer, Iliad; Virgil, Aeneid; Beowulf; Shakespeare; Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons; Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich; JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings; David McCullough, 1776; David Hackett Fischer, Washington’s Crossing; Martin Gilbert, Winston Churchill; Simon Schama, Citizens; Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken . . . but I’ll stop there.
Which Amendment is the most important to you? My favorite Amendment is the Ninth Amendment because it reminds Americans that America is a natural rights and constitutional republic, and that the Bill of Rights is not an exhaustive list of their natural and civil rights.
Publications: Washington and Hamilton (2015), Jamestown Experiment (2011), America’s Beginning (2010),Pox and the Covenant (2010), Hurricane of Independence (2008).