The Republican Party began in the hothouse of the debates over slavery in the 1850's, grew to save the Union and free the slaves during the Civil War, then became the party of Reconstruction and business privilege after the war.

Our symposium brings together prize-winning historians on party politics, the Civil War, the concepts of "freedom," and the postwar era to offer their views of the Republican Party's beginnings. The papers presented will address such issues as Republican Party formation and campaigning; the ideas of free soil and free labor; the party's efforts at inclusiveness for blacks, women, and others; and the complete transformation of the party by 1876. Speakers include: Michael F. Holt, Phillip Shaw Paludan, Mark E. Neely, Jr., Jean H. Baker, and Brooks H. Simpson.

The symposium is free and open to the public. RSVP is required before October 20. Please email the following information to publicity@librarycompany.org: your name, address, affiliation, phone and email.