Bluffton University will host a performance of “Kossuth’s Message,” marking the 160th anniversary of Hungarian statesman Lajos (Louis) Kossuth’s visit to America, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, in Yoder Recital Hall.

The presentation is Bluffton’s Constitution Day Forum. All educational institutions that receive federal funds are required to offer an instructional program each year on or near Sept. 17, the day the United States Constitution was signed in 1787.

“Kossuth’s Message” is a one-hour performance built around his address to the Ohio legislature and his reflections at the beginning and end of his U.S. tour in 1851-52. His visit was a focal point in American popular and political life, coming in the midst of a pre-Civil War constitutional crisis as Americans grappled with slavery and the nature of the union.

Narrators Ellen Wilson and Michael Loughlin, history professors at Ohio Northern University, will provide background on Europe, as well as the U.S., at the time of Kossuth’s visit. Tamas Csajka of Columbus, Ohio, portrays Kossuth, who eventually earned a bronze bust in the U.S. Capitol that proclaims him “Father of Hungarian Democracy.” A PowerPoint presentation and music by Katica Szabo of Budapest, Hungary, are also part of the presentation.

Andrew Ludanyi, professor emeritus of political science at Ohio Northern, is planner and coordinator of the project. Funding was made possible in part by the Ohio Humanities Council with support by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily reflect those of either organization.