The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will host two events Oct. 9, inviting the public to explore the long-lasting impact of the American Civil War and its ongoing relevance to today’s political climate. Both events are free to attend, with one requiring ticket reservations. Information and free tickets are available here.
The first event, “A House Divided: Politics Today and American History,” will take place at noon in the Lied Commons at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. The panel discussion features a diverse group of University of Nebraska–Lincoln scholars and Nebraska leaders, as well as celebrated author and historian Jeremi Suri from the University of Texas-Austin. Moderated by Will Thomas, Angle Chair in the Humanities and professor of history at Nebraska, the discussion will examine how the deep divisions that marked the Civil War era resonate in today’s polarized political landscape. The event is free, and no tickets are required.
Other panelists are Mike Hilgers, Nebraska attorney general; Jeannette Jones, Happold Professor of history and ethnic studies at Nebraska; Luke McDermott, external vice president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska; and Sändra Washington, Lincoln City Councilwoman.
Later in the evening, Suri will present a lecture titled “America’s Civil War: Then and Now” at 7 p.m. in the Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium at Sheldon Museum of Art. Suri, a renowned historian and author of “Civil War by Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy,” will offer a thought-provoking examination of the Civil War's legacy and its continued influence on contemporary U.S. politics. The lecture is presented in partnership with Sheldon and is connected to the recent world-premiere production of the play “A House Divided.” Admission is free, but ticket reservations are required.
The panel discussion and lecture will be broadcast live here.
The programs are produced in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Lied Center for Performing Arts and Sheldon Museum of Art. They are presented in connection with the world premiere of “A House Divided,” the new play by Christina Kirk which takes place in the Lincoln White House during the Civil War. The play ran Sept. 17-22 at the Lied.
Funding for the events was provided by Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
For more information or media inquiries, contact Emma Jorgensen at ejorgenson2@unl.edu or 308-529-7075.
