The Abraham Lincoln Association proudly hosted the Third Annual Abraham Lincoln Association Cantigny Summer Symposium on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The event took place at the picturesque Cantigny Park Visitor Center in Wheaton, Illinois, welcoming a diverse audience eager to explore Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Esteemed Lincoln scholars and enthusiasts provided engaging and insightful presentations:
Michael Burlingame: “John Locke Scripps—Lincoln’s First Biographer”
Dr. Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, shared illuminating perspectives on John Locke Scripps, delving deeply into the motivations and influences behind Lincoln’s first biographer. Dr. Burlingame, widely regarded as one of the leading Lincoln historians, captivated attendees with his depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling.
Guy Fraker: “Young Abraham & Ann Rutledge—A New Salem Infatuation?”
Guy Fraker, author of influential works such as Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency and Looking for Lincoln in Illinois, provided a vivid portrayal of young Lincoln’s relationship with Ann Rutledge. His compelling narrative and meticulous research sparked lively discussion and thoughtful reflection among attendees.
Mark Pohlad: “Abraham Lincoln—The Lawyer and Politician in Chicago”
Dr. Mark Pohlad, Associate Professor of Art History at DePaul University, offered a fascinating exploration of Lincoln’s professional and political life in Chicago. His talk, rich with historical detail and visual imagery, highlighted significant aspects of Lincoln’s influence on the city and the visual arts, previewing insights from his forthcoming publication with Southern Illinois University Press.
Scott Schroeder & David Weigers: “The Lincoln Sculpture Project—A Digital World Tour”
Scott Schroeder, dedicated Lincoln historian, and David Weigers, acclaimed photographer, presented an impressive digital exploration of Abraham Lincoln sculptures from around the globe. The audience enjoyed an enriching visual journey complemented by insightful commentary on how Lincoln’s legacy continues to inspire artistic expressions internationally.
The symposium concluded successfully, fostering an atmosphere of historical inquiry and community engagement. We thank our esteemed speakers, dedicated attendees, and Cantigny Park Visitor Center for making this year’s event an enriching and memorable experience.