History Talks: A Glorious Fate
Friday, November 6, 2026
What transforms an ordinary man into an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice? Historian Kevin M. Levin presents his new biography of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, A Glorious Fate: The Life and Legacy of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, tracing Shaw’s transformation from reluctant volunteer to Union martyr and the enduring legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry.
This program will take place in the Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership, directly across the street from Ford’s Theatre. Additional books will be available for purchase in the gift shop prior to the event. A book signing with the author will follow.
History Talks investigates facets of Abraham Lincoln’s complex legacy and its relevance to today. These engaging talks, designed for history enthusiasts of all ages, feature compelling visuals with content experts delving into Lincoln’s legacy and the world of Civil War Washington.
Kevin M. Levin is a historian and educator based in Boston. He is the author of numerous books and articles on the Civil War era, including Remembering the Battle of the Crater: War As Murder and Searching For Black Confederates: The Civil War’s Most Persistent Myth. His op-eds have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and elsewhere. A former high school history teacher, Levin continues to work with teachers and students throughout the country, leading workshops and tours of civil rights and Civil War sites.