Scholar Harold Holzer Speaks On 'Why Lincoln Matters' In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- The Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield will host a lecture and question-and-answer session with renowned President Abraham Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m.

Harold Holzer, one of the country's leading scholars in Abraham Lincoln will host a lecture at the Keeler Tavern Museum on Sept. 29.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy Keeler Tavern Museum*

Joe Jenkins

08/20/2013 2:00 a.m.

Holzer's discussion, titled "Why Lincoln Matters," will explore the connection many Americans have felt -- real and imagined, political and emotional -- to Lincoln.

Regardless of party, presidents from Ulysses Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, George Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, have identified with Lincoln. They sought to consecrate their own policies with his imagined blessing, "sometimes inspiringly, sometimes ludicrously," according to Holzer.

Holzer is one of the nation's leading authorities on Lincoln and Civil War-era America. He has authored, coauthored and edited 42 books, including Emancipating Lincoln, Lincoln at Cooper Union.

Holzer's most recent book, The Civil War in 50 Objects was released in May.

Tickets for the lecture cost $25. Museum members and students will receive a $5 discount.

Following the lecture, Holzer will be on hand for a reception and book signing. Tickets for both the lecture and reception are $50 for nonmembers and $35 for members and students.

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