Washington, D.C. — On the morning of Friday, April 11, President Lincoln’s Cottage will host its tenth annual Lincoln Ideas Forum to commemorate Lincoln’s last visit to the Cottage (April 13, 1865). Each year, the forum examines a topic relevant to Lincoln’s presidency in a modern context.
At a time when government upheaval is spreading fear across the city, this event will analyze how fear shapes our behaviors and is ingrained in societal structures. Panelists will also explore how fear can isolate us, and also how it can protect us when we need it.
The panel will include Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Gonell, a vocal advocate for public safety and democracy, will share firsthand experience of confronting fear in the line of duty and the implications of and lessons from January 6.
The discussion will be facilitated by museum-consultant Andrea Jones.
Additional panelists include:
- Donelle Boose, PhD; Assistant Professor of History and Black Studies at Randolph-Macon College;
- Alicia H. Clark, PsyD; a Washington, DC–based licensed psychologist and author of Hack Your Anxiety;
- Jessie Mannisto; the Director of Debates for Braver Angels, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to bridging partisan divides and strengthening our democratic republic.
While Lincoln has been lionized for his moral courage, he faced deep and abiding fears for himself and this nation while living at the Cottage during the Civil War years.
“Certainly, there was much to fear during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency,” said CEO & Executive Director Callie Hawkins. “But Lincoln’s ability to channel his fear into courageous action is a lesson for all of us who want to act on our own brave ideas.”
The event will take place at President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington, DC, on April 11 from 10am-12pm. Preregistration is required.
After the panel, guests are invited to face their own fears in an extension program developed by President Lincoln’s Cottage and available as an add-on on the ticketing page. Lunch included.
For more information, click here or contact Rebecca Kilborne.
Note that the forum is being offered free of charge for current and recently laid off federal workers. To access this offer, civil servants should call (202) 829-0436 to receive a code.
Categories:Press Releases
