Speakers- Spring 2008
The Imagination and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln
During the spring 2008, the McConnell Center will begin focusing a significant amount of its programming to helping Kentucky remember the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. These efforts will include co-sponsoring numerous public programs in Louisville as well as sponsorship of a new society of McConnell Scholars who will be focused on studying the life and times of our sixteenth president.
RICHARD NORTON SMITH ON LINCOLN-Speaker Change March 20
11:00AM-1:30PM Chao Auditorium
Presidential historian and ABC news consultant Richard Norton Smith has had to cancel his appearance due to illness. In his place, Tom Owen, archivist for Uof L Libraries, will discuss "The Many Faces of Abraham Lincoln." John Kleber, Senior Fellow, McConnell Center, will lead a question-and answer session afterwards. A reception and McConnell scholar panel discussion on Lincoln and leardership in Kentucky will follow. The program is free and open to the public. A Lincoln Bicentennial event.
FORGOTTEN FOUNDER – ROGER SHERMAN
Mark Hall March 31
3:00-4:00 PM McConnell Center
As part of the Forgotten Founders Series, Mark Hall, professor of political science at George Fox University, will speak on Roger Sherman from Connecticut Sherman was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the U.S.: the Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The program is free and open to the public.
MYTH AND REALITY 
Brad Birzer April 4
1:00- 2:00 PM McConnell Center
Dr. Brad Birzer is Assistant Professor of History at Hillsdale College. He says “Myth and Reality explores the relationship of history to story. At root, myth reveals the essence of being human.” A Senior Fellow with the Center for the American Idea in Houston, Dr. Birzer has written extensively on Tolkien, James Fenimore Cooper, the American frontier and American Indians, and Christopher Dawson. The program is free and open to the public.
Additional information about Bradley Birzer is available through the web pages of ISI Books.
DO CAMPAIGNS REALLY MATTER? 
Stephen Craig April 7
10:00-10:50 AM Davidson 109
Do campaigns really matter? Are most presidential elections over before they even begin? Stephen Craig asks these questions and more. Dr. Craig is professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Florida. Co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science, this program is free and open to the public.
Lecture Series
Each semester, the McConnell Center offers a lecture series open to the public. Click here to learn more and to view past series.