Jay Winik, author of the Lincoln biography April 1865: The Month That Saved America, looks at how Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee handled Lee's surrender at Appomattox; and considers the possible consequences if the surrender had not gone through or had proceeded poorly.
David Herbert Donald, Charles Warren Professor of American History and Professor of American Civilization Emeritus at Harvard University, talks about the qualities and experience that made Abraham Lincoln both an exceptional and an unlikely national leader.
Professor Caroline Cox reviews the life of George Washington, examining the difficulties of sorting factual historical information from created mythology.
Professors Sidney Milkis and Marc Landy look at George Washington's presidency, how he was perceived during his presidency, how he is now perceived, and what he contributed to American rhetoric and the presidency.
To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, July 12th, 10:50 am-12:20 pm session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.
Professors Mackubin T. Owens and Lucas E. Morel discuss Lincoln's second Inaugural Address and his second election as President. They examine what Lincoln's view for the future of the nation was, and also discuss the Northern and Southern troops' and generals' views of each other.
To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Friday, June 25th, 10:45 am-12:15 pm session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.
Older versions of this lecture, from newer to older, can be found here and here.
Professor Mackubin T. Owens details the Civil War campaigns—not just the battles—surrounding Vicksburg and Gettysburg. He looks at the choices and strategies of the generals involved in these campaigns.
To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Thursday, June 24th, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.
Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family and birthplace of Robert E. Lee, was built by Thomas Lee in the late 1730s. Today, it is furnished with an outstanding collection of predominantly 18th-century American and English decorative arts.
The site offers exhibits, tours, educational program, workshops, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the agricultural empire that made General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California from 1834 to 1846. Vallejo ran his cattle, hide, and tallow business; raised sheep; bred horses; and grew numerous crops. The adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life. The huge adobe building, the largest private rancho in California between 1834 and 1846, was the center of activity on one of the most prosperous private estates established during the Mexican period.
The park offers exhibits; tours; and occasional recreational and educational events, including living history events.
The historic town of Sonoma is located in the heart of the beautiful wine country between Napa and Santa Rosa off Highway 12. Situated around a central plaza (the largest of its kind in California) filled with shops and restaurants, the city is home to Sonoma State Historic Park—site of the northernmost Franciscan Mission in California and birthplace of the California State Bear Flag. Unlike most parks with a plot of land and geographical boundaries, Sonoma State Historic Park is a series of historic attractions in several locations within the community. The park is comprised of six sites: the Mission San Francisco Solano; the Blue Wing Inn; the Sonoma Barracks; and the Toscano Hotel, as well as La Casa Grande and Lachryma Montis, the homes of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, Military Commander and Director of Colonization of the Northern Frontier.
The park offers exhibits and tours.
The Italianate structure known as the U. S. Grant Home was built in 185960 as a residence by Alexander J. Jackson of Galena. When Ulysses S. Grant returned to the city in 1865 as a Civil War hero, he was presented the house as part of the city's celebration. All of the rooms are decorated and furnished to represent the mid-1860s. Many of the furnishings belonged to the Grant family.
The site offers exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.