Register for the ALA Banquet & Symposium

Deadline to RSVP is February 2nd

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Banquet

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 215th birthday with us on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Springfield, Illinois. The evening kicks off with a registration and social hour at 6:00 p.m., leading to the banquet at 7:00 p.m., featuring keynote speaker Nigel Hamilton. Reserve your spot online here now or by calling Kay Smith at 217.546.2656. The deadline to RSVP is February 2nd.

Nigel Hamilton, whose credentials are unsurpassed as an analyst of political helmsmen and their military leaders, will be drawing in part on research for a dual biography of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis set for release in November 2024. Professor Hamilton, currently teaching at the McCormack Graduate School at the University of Massachusetts – Boston, was born in England and has since become a U.S. citizen. His acclaimed trilogy (2014-2019) focuses on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s tenure as a wartime president. This work followed a trilogy about Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, which inspired a documentary film. Prior to these, Hamilton authored two volumes on Bill Clinton and a revealing portrait of John F. Kennedy titled Reckless Youth (which resulted in the Kennedy family withdrawing their cooperation, thus truncating the planned trilogy).

Benjamin P. Thomas Memorial Symposium and Thomas F Schwartz Luncheon

Earlier in the day on February 17th, the Benjamin P. Thomas Memorial Symposium offers an enriching lineup:

• James H. Read, author of Sovereign of a Free People: Abraham Lincoln, Majority Rule, and Slavery, will speak at 10:00 a.m.

• Gordon Leidner will explore Lincoln’s leadership in Abraham Lincoln and the Bible at 10:45 a.m.

• Elizabeth Leonard, Lincoln Prize co-winner, will present her new book on Gen. Benjamin Butler at 12:00 p.m.

• George C. Rable will discuss his latest work, Conflict of Command: George McClellan, Abraham Lincoln, and the Politics of War, at 1:15 p.m.

A roundtable discussion moderated by Professor Michael Burlingame follows at 2:15 p.m., with a book signing at 3:00 p.m.

The Thomas F. Schwartz Luncheon will commence at 11:30 a.m. for $45.00, with a talk by Elizabeth Leonard beginning at 12 noon. Non-paying attendees may listen to the talk.

Make reservations now

Reserve your spot now online here or by calling Kay Smith at 217.546.2656.

Venue for all events: Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 7th and Adams, downtown Springfield. For accommodations, mention the ALA for a special rate at abrahamlincolndoubletree.bookonline.com or call 217.544.8800.