Lincoln, Blagojevich, Reagan
Lincoln Presidential Library offers events looking back at three very different Illinois leaders

 

[September 01, 2018] 

Three special events in September at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will give people a chance to look back at Lincoln’s legal skills, Ronald Reagan’s leadership style and Rod Blagojevich’s failed tenure as governor.

On Sept. 6, the Illinois History Forum will be devoted to the book “Prairie Defender: The Murder Trials of Abraham Lincoln.” This look at Lincoln’s legal career includes a detailed assessment of his cases and courtroom strategy. It also features fascinating tales of his most colorful cases – including one where he proved the supposed murder victim was still alive.

The author, former prosecutor George R. Dekle Sr., will lead the discussion and take questions. The free event begins at noon in the library building (112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield). Visitors are welcome to bring lunch.

Then on Sept. 12, a “Tales from the Vault” session will focus on the presidential library’s collection of oral histories related to former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Dr. Mark DePue, head of the presidential library’s Oral History Program, will revisit the Blagojevich years and his legal downfall via audio excerpts collected over the years.

“Tales from the Vault,” presented in conjunction with the Illinois State Museum, takes place at 12:30 p.m. The event is free.

Another meeting of the Illinois History Forum takes place the next day, Sept. 13. It will be devoted to a discussion of Peggy Noonan’s “When Character was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan.”

The ALPLM’s executive director, Alan Lowe, who began his career at the Reagan Presidential Library, will lead the discussion and take questions. The free event begins in the library at noon. Visitors are welcome to bring lunch.

President Reagan is featured in the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s special exhibit “From Illinois to the White House: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, Obama.” The exhibit runs for the rest of the year as part of the ALPLM’s celebration of the Illinois bicentennial.

The presidential library is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology. It also serves as the Illinois historical library. The library maintains an unparalleled collection of Lincoln documents, photographs, artifacts and art and also has some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.

Learn more at www.PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov

[Christopher Wills
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum]