Six people sit on a stage in front of microphones, next to a podium that says "Ford's Theatre."
Dr. Edna Greene Medford, Fred L. Hord, Diana Schaub, David J. Kent, Terry Alford and Jon Meacham speak in a panel discussion on March 25, 2023, during the 2023 Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium at Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Andrew Buchsbaum.

26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium

March 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

The Abraham Lincoln Institute (ALI) and Ford’s Theatre Society present a free symposium focused on the life, career and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, at Ford’s Theatre.

2023 Symposium Speakers

Terry Alford
In the Houses of Their Dead: The Lincolns, the Booths, and the Spirits

Fred L. Hord
Co-editor, Knowing Him by Heart: African Americans on Abraham Lincoln

David J. Kent
Lincoln: The Fire of Genius: How Abraham Lincoln’s Commitment to Science and Technology Helped Modernize America

Jon Meacham
And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

Diana Schaub
His Greatest Speeches: How Lincoln Moved the Nation

Cost: Free

Jon Meacham receives the Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award

Banner image announcing that Jon Meacham has received the 26th annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award.

The Abraham Lincoln Institute and Ford’s Theatre Society are proud to announce Jon Meacham as the recipient of the 26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award. This prestigious award was presented to Meacham by Michael Burlingame at our annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium this Saturday, March 25, in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Institute.

This is the first time this Book Award has been presented in-person since 2019. Meacham was recognized for his captivating book, And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. said of the book: “In his captivating new book, Jon Meacham has given us the Lincoln for our time.”

Watch the Speeches

26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium – Terry Alford
26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium – Fred L. Hord
26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium – David J. Kent
26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium – Jon Meacham
26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium – Diana Schaub
Panel discussion of the 26th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium speakers at Ford’s Theatre