Thursday, October 1, 2009
Speaking of Lincoln
Acclaimed Lincoln Scholar Will Speak in Boise October 29th
Harold Holzer has been in high demand this year.
The bicentennial of the birth of the 16th President of the United States has found Holzer lecturing, often several times a week, from coast to coast. The outstanding Lincoln scholar will be hosted by the Idaho Humanities Council on October 29th.
If you have not made plans to attend - you should. It will be a great event.
Holzer - his day job is Senior Vice President for External Affairs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - is the co-chair of the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and has received the National Humanities Medal. His latest of many Lincoln books is focused on Lincoln President-elect and deals with his struggles with succession even before reaching the White House. The four months between Lincoln's election and his taking office were among the most important days in the nation's history.
Holzer's book - Lincoln at Cooper Union - is a fine piece of work that explains Lincoln's rise as a national political figure following his famous speech early in 1860 in New York City.
Once again, the Idaho Humanities Council has hit a home run with a great speaker on a great topic. What a run the Council has had: Doris Kearns Godwin, David McCullough, John Updike, Frank McCourt, David Halberstam, Stephen Ambrose to name just a few of the incredible writers and scholars who have graced the annual Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities.
If you love history, literature and the American story - this event is a must. See you there.