“Lincoln is in the air,” Sonoma Valley High School career counselor Mick Chantler exclaimed as he described his inspiration for upcoming seminars exploring four defining aspects of the president’s life. Reflecting on the election of Senator Barak Obama to the presidency, as well as nationwide celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the birth of “The Great Emancipator” in American History, Chantler said he believes Abraham Lincoln would appreciate recognition from the “average American,” in contrast with lectures by “profound historians,” occurring in regions that factored strongly in Lincoln’s life, such as Washington, D.C., Illinois and Kentucky.
The Lincoln Bicentennial Seminar Series at the Sonoma Valley Regional Library, a collaboration between local schools and the library, is intended to raise awareness and stimulate discussion on the following topics:
• Lincoln the Man, hosted by Mick Chantler
Saturday, February 7, 1 pm
This discussion will try to probe the psyche of the former Illinois frontier lawyer who against all odds becomes President during our greatest crisis: factors shaping his personality; evolution of his religious and spiritual views; personal opposition to slavery, yet reluctance to join the abolitionist camp.
• Lincoln, the Man of Letters, hosted by Alison Manchester, Sonoma Valley High School literature teacher
Saturday, February 28, 1 pm
Lincoln is acknowledged by scholars to be one of the most skilled writers to occupy the White House. This seminar will explore how Lincoln crafted his speeches, often drawing on Shakespeare or the Bible for inspiration, to stir the souls of Americans from his own time to the present.
• Lincoln and the Law, hosted by Shawn Martin, Sonoma Valley High School history teacher
Wednesday, March 11, 7 pm
Lincoln was a lawyer before he served in Congress or became President. Participants will examine how his legal thinking influenced his positions on subjects such as constitutional history, his relationship with the Supreme Court, and states’ rights. Additional topics include his more controversial wartime initiatives such as suspending habeas corpus and establishing military tribunals.
• Lincoln as Commander in Chief, hosted by John Stephen Futini, local historian
Wednesday, March 25, 7 pm
We frequently use the term Commander-in-Chief as synonymous with the office of the presidency, but this was not always the case. Lincoln had almost no precedents to guide his decisions during the Civil War, and he almost single-handedly defined the role of “Wartime President,” greatly expanding the authority of his office. Participants will look at his role as a military leader and the often exasperating relations with his General staff.
Events are free of charge and open to the public. Each presentation is expected to last about 30 minutes, with opportunity for discussion afterwards.
Stephan Buffy, Branch Manager of Sonoma Valley Regional Library, echoes Chantler’s enthusiasm for the series, and encourages residents to express interest in pursuing more similar events in the future.
For more information contact the library, 755 W. Napa Street, Sonoma, at 707.996.5217, where the events will be held in the De Long Room.
