During the first week in August, I spent a full week in New York City immersed in the political thought of Abraham Lincoln with other burgeoning scholars in the fields of history, political science, and political theory. The seminar, sponsored by the Hertog Foundation, was led by Dr. Allen Guelzo of Gettysburg College and featured numerous speakers who shared our collective interest in the study of Lincoln. Thanks to the recommendation of this seminar from PAF alumnus Adam Bethke, CCAS BA ’13 MPA ’15, I was able to meet other young scholars who share my academic passion for this fascinating time period.
I’ve had a deep interest in Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War for the past 10 years. It’s rare to meet other scholars who are my age and who are equally informed and inquisitive about Lincoln and his legacy. The week passed far too quickly, for I could talk about Lincoln continuously if given the opportunity. I left with great friends across the country who not only share my similar interest, but also challenge me to think critically about my long held beliefs about this man and the time in which he lived.