Wide Awake in Wisconsin: The Local Antislavery Movement that Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War

At this speaker event, Jon Grinspan, Smithsonian Curator of Political History, will discuss the legacy of the Wide Awakes through his latest book, Wide Awake: The Forgotten Force That Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War. The story of the Wisconsin anti-slavery movement wouldn’t be complete without the Wide Awakes, a club of working-class white and Black men and women who defended anti-slavery stump speakers, organized demonstrations, and forcefully advocated for the abolition of slavery.
The activities associated with the event are occurring on the first floor of the Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters building, with the lecture occurring in the auditorium and the pop-up exhibit and book sale in the lobby. Registering in advance is encouraged to ensure you get a seat.