The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will welcome the History Channel’s official podcast and renowned historian Jonathan W. White for a live taping of HISTORY This Week on Nov. 6, giving the audience a rare opportunity to see a podcast being made and take part in a wide-ranging discussion of presidential power then and now.
White, editor of the upcoming Why Lincoln: Preserving an American Legacy, will chat with podcast host Sally Helm about Lincoln’s use of presidential power, from issuing military orders like the Emancipation Proclamation to shaping public opinion with speeches like the Gettysburg Address. They’ll also discuss how other presidents have used, or even abused, their authority, from George Washington’s era to the 21st century. They’ll also take questions from the audience.
This will mark just the second time HISTORY This Week has left the studio to record an episode live. The podcast explores fascinating moments in history, from the Nixon-Kennedy debate to the French Revolution to the origins of air conditioning.
Doors open for this special event at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. The taping begins at 6:30. It’s free to attend, but reservations are required. Get more info and reserve your seats at www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov/Events.
“Podcasts do a terrific job of explaining history in new ways to new audiences, which is always a top priority here at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum,” said ALPLM executive director Christina Shutt. “We’re excited to welcome HISTORY This Week and to be part of a conversation that will undoubtedly inspire more people to think about Abraham Lincoln and his place in history.”
White, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is the author or editor of 22 books about Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War and the U.S. Constitution. They include A House Built by Slaves, Measuring the Man and Lincoln on Law, Leadership and Life. White will sign copies of his books after the program. The audience can purchase Why Lincoln the night of the program or when reserving seats.
HISTORY This Week is produced by Back Pocket Studios in partnership with the History Channel. It launched in 2020 and has produced more than 250 episodes.
