LANCASTER, PA — On Thursday, April 3, LancasterHistory will welcome Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell for a presentation on his new book, Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy. While Congressman George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts interacted with James Buchanan during the Antebellum Era and worked with Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and Thaddeus Stevens during Reconstruction, he remains the most consequential American political figure many have never heard of. In this lecture, the Congressman’s distant relative, Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell, traces a life that offers an insider’s view of the pivotal moments that laid the groundwork for modern America.

Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell is a writer, historian, and policy specialist whose forty-year career spanned journalism, government, and international scientific cooperation. He has a B.A. in history from Yale University, a Ph.D. in political science from MIT, and has written widely on nuclear weapons arms control, Middle East security issues, and environmental degradation and civil conflict. He lives in Columbia, Maryland. His book, Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy (2025, W.W. Norton) is now available from major retailers.

Boutwell's lecture is part of LancasterHistory's Presidential Lecture Series, which presents new scholarship related to the presidency in mid-nineteenth century America. Topics for the Series explore the critical issues of political, social, and civic life faced by the persons holding America's highest office during some of the nation's most fraught events.

EVENT DETAILS & HOW TO REGISTER

This event will take place in person at LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Avenue in Lancaster, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Doors open and a reception and book signing by the author begins at 5pm. The panel discussion will begin at 5:30pm. The presentation will also be streamed to Zoom at 5:30pm for those who wish to join virtually.

This program is free and open to the public. In-person attendance requires advance registration in order to guarantee a seat. Due to capacity restrictions, tickets may not be available at the door. Virtual attendance requires advance registration in order to receive the Zoom link. Register online by clicking the appropriate link below or by calling (717) 392-4633. Registration will close online on Thursday, April 3 at 5:30pm.

REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON

REGISTER TO ATTEND ONLINE

About LancasterHistory

LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the homes of 15th US President James Buchanan and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith.

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