James A. Garfield

09 22, 2022

In His Own Words: James A. Garfield on Race and Justice

By |2022-09-14T15:38:08-04:00September 22, 2022|

Park Ranger Alan Gephardt from James A. Garfield National Historic Site uses Garfield’s own words to describe how the president’s feelings on race and justice changed over time. Though he would not describe himself as an abolitionist, Garfield believed that slavery was a moral and political stain in the fabric of a nation conceived in liberty… but he didn’t always believe that.

The next talk in our Civil War series with Garfield National Historic Site will be at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The topic will be the astonishing life and naval career of Admiral David Farragut.

By the way, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in this series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

11 15, 2021

Presidents Abraham Lincoln & James Garfield: Their Differences & Similarities

By |2021-11-16T14:37:54-05:00November 15, 2021|

Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield had a lot in common. They both lost a parent while still children, and they both lost children while parents. Of course, they are both inextricably connected to the US Civil War, served as president, and their terms were both cut short by assassination.

But the men had their differences, as well. Their views differed on slavery and civil rights. Todd Arrington, site manager of James A. Garfield National Historic Site, explores the similarities and differences of Lincoln and Garfield.

Our Civil War series continues next month at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Two of Garfield NHS’s most musically inclined staff members will lead a fun and educational sing-along, exploring Christmas tunes from various wartime periods in American history! Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

Finally, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

06 14, 2021

Leaders & Legacies of the Civil War: Ex Parte Milligan

By |2021-06-14T19:00:30-04:00June 14, 2021|

Most of the action from this month’s Civil War talk happens in the courtroom and not on the battlefield!

When a military tribunal sentenced Lambdin P. Milligan of Indiana to hang for allegedly aiding the rebellious states, his lawyers—including James A. Garfield—stood before the Supreme Court to preserve not only his life but also Reconstruction.

Our speaker is Ranger Chris Dobeck from the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

Our Civil War series continues next month at noon on Wednesday, July 14. The rangers will discuss the history of the US Navy from wooden ships to the “Steel Navy.” For the first time in more than a year, we will be meeting in person at our Main Branch! We look forward to seeing you here. Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

Finally, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

05 12, 2021

Take an Armchair Tour of Mentor in President Garfield’s Day

By |2021-05-12T19:00:15-04:00May 12, 2021|

Debbie Weinkamer, the lead volunteer from James A. Garfield National Historic Site, takes you on a virtual tour of what Mentor, Ohio, looked like back when the president’s family lived here.

The family had a profound affect on the community (and our library.) Their names still dot our streets, parks, and schools.

If you’re interested, we have an entire YouTube playlist dedicated to local history.

Additionally, the Garfield National Historic Site also leads the fantastic and fascinating Civil War lecture series. If you’re interested in Civil War history, several of those talks can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

12 9, 2020

Interview with Benjamin Arrington, author of ‘The Last Lincoln Republican’

By |2020-12-09T20:00:05-05:00December 9, 2020|

Both local and national history buffs will love Todd Arrington discussing his new book, The Last Lincoln Republican: The Presidential Election of 1880 with our own John Foster.

Arrington serves as the site director of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor. His book examines the competitive and contentious presidential election between Republican James A. Garfield and Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. The election was decided by fewer than 10,000 votes – one of the closest popular votes in American presidential history.

Arrington has often spoken at the library as part of our Civil War series with Garfield National Historic Site.

In fact, you can watch some of his best talk on our YouTube channel right now, including:

Meanwhile, in addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history (as does Arrington). Foster has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe American Revolution and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.

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