Seeking the Better Angels of Our Nature

Seeking the Better Angels of Our Nature: Leadership and Character Lessons from Abraham Lincoln
Ron Keller

The Elkhart Historical Society is pleased to announce the kickoff of their 2024 dinner lecture series with Ron Keller, presenting “Seeking the Better Angels of Our Nature: Leadership and Character Lessons from Abraham Lincoln” on Friday, February 23, 2024. The dinner lecture will be held at the Wild Hare Café, Elkhart, Illinois, 5:30 p.m.

In this fascinating lecture, Keller will reveal more about Lincoln’s character and attributes. The title actually comes from Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address given Monday, March 4, 1861.

Ron J. Keller is Executive Director of the renowned Lincoln Heritage Museum. He is past Assistant Professor of History, College Archivist, and Curator of Special Collections at Illinois College; and for twenty years served as Associate Professor of History and Political Science at Lincoln College. Keller led the redesign of the Lincoln Heritage Museum, which opened in 2014. He earned an Associate Degree from Olney Central College, and his undergrad and Master’s Degree in History from Eastern Illinois University. Keller has authored the major release Lincoln in the Illinois Legislature (SIU Press, 2019), and co-authored several books including A Respect For the Office: Letters From the Presidents (2009), and Abraham Lincoln in Logan County (2010). He has also written several feature articles for the journal “White House History”. He serves on the board of the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Association. Dedicated to community service, Keller served for a term as alderman on the Lincoln (IL) City Council. Keller is known as a passionate educator and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his teaching. In 2009, the Lincoln Academy bestowed Keller with the Order of Lincoln—the highest honor given to a resident of the state of Illinois. He is a husband and a father to three adult children.

Reservations must be made by calling 217-947-2238. After receiving confirmation, fill in the reservation form indicating your choice of entrée and dessert, and mail it in within 5 business days with your check to The Elkhart Historical Society. The inclusive cost per person is $45, and covers the meal, tax, and tip, of which $15 is for the Elkhart Historical Society program. The menu for this lecture includes pork medallions or chicken breast. The deadline for reservations is February 12. Please go to www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org for reservation forms and full menu. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and dinner service begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. Additional parking is one block east of the restaurant on Gov. Oglesby Street.