Gather with a small group of teachers from around the country for three days immersed in discussion and exploration of a single topic in American history. Multi-Day Seminars are a free opportunity for teachers hosted near an important historical site. Teachers will prepare ahead of time for seminars by reading selected historical documents in the provided course packet. Once the seminar begins, the discussion leader guides a peer-to-peer, text-based conversation among all participants. Meals, materials, double-occupancy rooms, and historical site visits are 100% covered by Teaching American History. At the end of each course, every teacher receives a letter of participation for fifteen contact hours of continuing education and a stipend of $600 to help defray travel costs.

This seminar is an attempt to understand the political thought and statesmanship of Abraham Lincoln, especially as related to the Civil War and Reconstruction. It examines the history of the period and the political thought of Lincoln by reading and discussing a selection of his letters, speeches, and other writings, and considering them on their own as well as in the context of such documents as the Declaration of Independence and the political events of Lincoln’s day. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding how Lincoln approached the complex political and military problems of slavery and the Civil War – in short, on understanding his statesmanship.

Please note: The Multi Day Application period is April 9-30, 2024