Register for the Lincoln Forum Symposium at Hildene
April 25-27, 2025
Registration is now open for the spring 2025 Lincoln Forum symposium at Robert Todd Lincoln’s magnificent home, “Hildene,” in Manchester, Vermont.
On Friday evening, April 25, we will gather for an opening dinner in the grand Colonnade Room at the historic Equinox Resort—our official hotel for the weekend (where Mary, Robert, and Tad once stayed!)—and will hear from preeminent Robert Lincoln biographer Jason Emerson.
On Saturday, morning April 26, we re-convene at “Lincoln Hall,” the brand-new visitor center at Hildene, to enjoy a series of lectures and panels throughout the day about the Lincoln family over the generations. We are so grateful to Hildene President Brian Keefe and his staff for hosting us.
We have assembled a wonderful roster of speakers and topics. Vice Chair Jonathan White will discuss how Lincoln’s own youth helped shape the future leader, husband, and father. Then Stacy Lynn will debut her new book Loving Lincoln, offering a fresh perspective on the life of Mary Lincoln. Lincoln Forum Secretary Michelle Krowl will tell the fascinating history of the Robert Todd Lincoln Collection of Abraham Lincoln’s papers now housed at the Library of Congress.
Brian Keefe will share the story of the beautiful setting, followed by small-group tours of the estate. And a panel discussion featuring Christian McWhirter, Samuel Wheeler, Jason Emerson, and Erin Mast will explore the lives of the Lincoln children—Robert, Eddie, Willie, and Tad—and their formative years in Springfield, Illinois.
On Saturday evening, following dinner at Lincoln Hall, Chairman Harold Holzer will present an illustrated talk on the Lincoln Family Album, which was discovered some 25 years ago at Hildene, and contained unknown pictures of the Lincolns dating from the 1850s to the 1950s.
On Sunday morning, all the speakers will gather for a panel discussion and extended audience Q&A to expand on what we have learned, moderated by Chairman Emeritus Frank J. Williams over coffee and snacks in the Rockwell Ballroom back at the Equinox. Book sales and opportunities to acquire signed copies will be provided by the Hildene gift shop.
Registration for the symposium is only $295, which includes Friday night dinner at the Equinox, lunch and dinner on Saturday at Hildene, and tours of the home, grounds, and original Pullman car representing Robert’s years as a railroad executive. (Breakfasts will be on our own, but coffee and assorted pastries will be available at our morning sessions.)
The Forum has secured a special off-season group rate of $179/night (plus taxes) at the Equinox. For those who may prefer alternative locations, there is a Kimpton, a Hampton Inn & Suites, and other alternative lodging in the vicinity, which you would need to explore on your own. Information on booking rooms at the Equinox will be sent in an email when you register.
Space is limited, so don’t delay! To register, you must be a Forum member in good standing. If your membership has not yet been renewed, please do so before registering for the symposium. Please also note that membership rates will go up on January 1 to help the Forum keep up with rising costs. The new rates will be:
Individual $75
Family: $100
Life: $1000
Student: $25
We look forward to seeing you in Vermont! It has been a number of years since we hosted a mid-year Forum at Hildene, and your evaluations strongly suggested you hoped we would do so again. We hope, in turn, you will support and attend this exciting event.