Lincoln and Whitman: A Conversation Across Time

About this event

Join actors Stephen Lang and Billy Campbell for this special program moderated by Harold Holzer.

Two of the greatest writers of the 19th century—Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman—never formally met during the years they both lived in wartime Washington, D.C. (though they came close). Yet they had a profound connection. Lincoln’s increasingly lean prose came to mirror Whitman’s iconic style and reflect his patriotism. And Whitman’s laudatory poetry enhanced Lincoln’s reputation as the “captain” who saved the ship of state during the rebellion.

In this all-new program—featuring dramatic readings culled entirely from Lincoln’s and Whitman’s own words—the two men speak, as if to each other and certainly to us, on the great issues of the day: war, peace, courage, union, friendship, and martyrdom.

Registration is required. The cost to attend is $15 for Gettysburg History members and Lincoln Forum members, and $25 for general admission.