Lincoln, Blagojevich, Reagan
Lincoln Presidential Library offers events
looking back at three very different Illinois leaders
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[September 04, 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.
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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.
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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] |