Henry Clay was a distinguished American statesman who served multiple times in the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. This Lexington, Kentucky, political leader advocated many programs to improve the economy, including the famous "American System." He also made every effort to preserve the Union. Dubbed the "Great Compromiser," he orchestrated the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850, both of which helped to delay the impeding American Civil War.

In line with the McConnell Center's mission of promoting the ideas of leadership, scholarship, and service, the Henry Clay Society was formed to study this distinguished Kentucky leader. By reading Clay documents and visiting his beloved Ashland home in Lexington, we are attempting to examine his life and learn valuable lessons.