Lincoln Ideas Forum: Fear Itself

During the Civil War, Americans feared losing their family members on the battlefield and on the auction block. They worried about a changing social order, disruption to their way of life, military occupation, and financial hardship. Lincoln, no doubt, had fears of his own. Personal failure had unfathomable consequences for the nation and the military guard encamped here at the Soldiers’ Home were a constant reminder of the threat to his personal safety.

Join us as we explore how the universal emotion of fear has shaped our nation. According to a 2024 Champan University study, Americans reported fearing corrupt government officials, biological, cyber, and nuclear warfare, economic security, and the suffering and death of loved ones. This list of fears tells us much about our current moment. But, how have unconscious fears around identity, belonging, and safety shaped the structures of our nation? How has fear wedged Americans apart? When has fear brought us together?

President Lincoln’s Cottage hosts the annual Lincoln Ideas Forum to commemorate Lincoln’s last visit to the Cottage, which was the day before his assassination. The Forum brings together scholars and practitioners from distinct disciplines to give voice to topics and perspectives that connect the history of this place and what Lincoln accomplished here with how his ideas and life are understood today.