By David J. Kent
Washington, D.C.
Monday, October 10, 2022
Abraham Lincoln is best known for his Civil War presidency, the end of slavery, and saving the Union. He is also becoming more known for his interests in science and technology, as discussed in the recent book by Lincoln Group of DC President David J. Kent. But Lincoln also has been featured in historical and modern art. On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, we’ll take a look at the arts and sciences side of Lincoln at the Arts Club of Washington. And Lincoln Group of DC members are invited.
The Arts Club sits in the Cleveland Abbe House on “I” Street NW in the Foggy Bottom area. Also called the Monroe-Adams-Abbe House, its notable residents include James Monroe, who lived there while the White House was being rebuilt after the War of 1812. Later, the house was the home of noted historian and Lincoln’s Minister to Great Britain, Charles Francis Adams, Sr. (son of John Quincy Adams). Lincoln himself likely visited the home many times. Still later, the building was occupied by Cleveland Abbe, a meteorologist and founder of the National Weather Service. It was because of Abbe that the home was designated a National Historic Landmark. For a full story of the house, check out the Summer 2016 edition of The Lincolnian newsletter (under the heading, “The Monroe House”).
Since its founding in 1916, the Arts Club has promoted and celebrated the visual, performing, and literary arts. Many Lincoln Group members will remember it from events we held there in years past, as well as the Harold Holzer Lincoln Memorial Centennial prelude held there in May. The Club once again opens their doors to Lincoln Group members for a discussion of David J. Kent’s new book, Lincoln: The Fire of Genius.
This is a unique talk focused on the art and science of Abraham Lincoln and is not the same talk David has given at other venues. He will use images and artwork to give insight into how Lincoln developed his scientific interests and how those interests influenced his personal, professional, and political lives. The program will explore the surprising connections between this imagery and Lincoln’s goal to institutionalize science and technology in the federal government.
The price for admission for the event, $15 for those who aren’t Arts Club members, includes a reception featuring a wine bar and hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the program begins at 7 pm, with the reception immediately following. Books will be available for purchase. RSVP on the Arts Club website.
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