On Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 7 pm, Allison-Antrim Museum will hold its monthly Speaker’s Meeting, in the German bank barn. Rescheduled from February, Joe Mieczkowski will present a PowerPoint presentation, “Lincoln and His Cabinet,” based on his book of the same title. Lincoln’s first cabinet included all of his major rivals for the Republican nomination for President in 1860, including William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Simon Cameron (Maytown, Pennsylvania), and Edward Bates. Lincoln did not shy away from surrounding himself with strong-minded men, even including those whose credentials for office appeared to be much more impressive than his own. It seems clear that his goal was not to create a “War Cabinet” (because he did not expect war) but to create a cabinet that would unite the party – a team of rivals.
Mieczkowski retired from federal service after a 38-year career. He now teaches leadership courses at the Lincoln Leadership Institute in Gettysburg, PA. Mieczkowski is, also, a licensed Battlefield Guide for the Gettysburg National Military Park, and is a Past President of both the Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable and The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides. He has three books to his credit: Lincoln and his Cabinet, Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet, and After Gettysburg. Joe resides in Fairfield, PA with his wife, Chris.
There is no admission fee for the speaker’s meeting, but donations are greatly appreciated, and will be credited toward Allison-Antrim Museum’s annual speakers’ series. For more information, please visit: www.greencastlemuseum.org, Facebook, on Twitter @greencastlemuzm, or call 717-597-9010.