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The Law of the Land: A Grand Tour of Our Constitutional Republic and Lincoln’s Constitutional Vision
  • Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 - Friday, May 29, 2015
  • Time: 11:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Renowned legal scholar Akhil Reed Amar illustrates how geography, federalism, and regionalism have influenced some of the biggest questions in American constitutional law. While we may be united under one Constitution, separate and distinct states remain, each with its own constitution and culture. Writing about Illinois, “the land of Lincoln,” Amar shows how our 16th President’s ideas about secession were influenced by his Midwestern upbringing and outlook. Joining Professor Amar will be Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, author of numerous books on Lincoln and the Civil War era.

A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the myArchives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW.Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 in advance.