by Lorraine Shanley, Member, Board of Trustees, The Bronxville Historical Conservancy
Feb. 19, 2025: Esteemed Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Doris Kearns Goodwin will be the featured speaker at the Annual Brendan Gill Lecture on Friday, March 21, at 8 pm at Sarah Lawrence's Reisinger auditorium. Goodwin, known for her extensive works on American presidents and influential historical figures, will share her insights in a talk titled “Leadership in Turbulent Times: Advice for Today from Our Best Presidents.”
This free lecture is open to the public and presented each year by The Bronxville Historical Conservancy as a gift to the community. A reception with the speaker will follow the presentation. Registration is open to the public: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a message at 914-961-6790.
Goodwin joins an illustrious roster of previous Gill speakers, including Ken Burns, Jill Lepore, Douglas Brinkley, David Rubenstein, Cokie Roberts, Jon Meacham, and Michael Beschloss, among others.
Goodwin's works have been honored with numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in History for her book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. She has authored nine critically acclaimed books, including the New York Times bestsellers Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism. Her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller upon its publication in Spring 2024 and is being developed for a feature film.
In addition to her written works, Goodwin has been the executive producer for several documentary miniseries, including "Washington," "Abraham Lincoln," "Theodore Roosevelt," and "Franklin Roosevelt" for the History Channel. Her independent production company, Pastimes Productions Inc., is currently working on an eight-part docuseries, "Kevin Costner's The West," set for release in May 2025.
Goodwin has received numerous accolades for her contributions to historical scholarship and storytelling. She was the first historian to receive the Lincoln Leadership Prize from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and has been honored with the Gold Medal for biography from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Goodwin's career was inspired when, as a 24-year-old graduate student at Harvard, she was selected to join the White House Fellows program, where she worked closely with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Her first book, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, became a national bestseller and achieved critical acclaim. It was re-released in 2019, highlighting LBJ’s accomplishments in domestic affairs.
Goodwin's work continues to inspire and educate people about the complexities and accomplishments of American history. Her dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of the past makes her a fitting and exciting choice for this year's Brendan Gill Lecture.
About the Bronxville Adult School & Contacts
The Bronxville Adult School is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1957 and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. The School "offers all adults of Bronxville and surrounding communities the opportunity for personal growth through life enhancing skills and provides cultural, intellectual and recreational stimulation at a nominal cost."
The Bronxville Adult School
(914) 793-4435
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bronxvilleadultschool.org
Bronxville Public Library
The Bronxville Public Library traces its origins back to 1875, when it was a small lending library housed in a room attached to the “Bronxville Model School.” The Library was officially chartered in 1906 and moved into the Village Hall Building. The needs of the library grew with the town and, in 1942, a new standalone building was erected, which is where the Library is today. Over the years, the Library was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the community.
The Library has wonderful resources for adults and children and offers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The Library also houses a fine art collection, consisting principally of Bronxville painters and sculptors.
The Library offers special events, art exhibitions, and programs for adults, young adults and children. All events are open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.
The Bronxville Public Library
914-337-7680
201 Pondfield Road (Midland Avenue & Pondfield Road)
http://bronxvillelibrary.org/
Iona University
At Iona, you’ll find bright, curious students eager to achieve for themselves, and for others. We foster both innovative, independent thinking and a deep commitment to community.
Iona’s unique locations offer the best of both worlds. Our New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses provide comfortable, intimate learning environments. At Iona, everyone knows everyone and faculty members and students work closely together.
With New York City less than half an hour away, students have unlimited options for career development and internship opportunities. Not to mention, access to some of the best cultural attractions in the world!
No two Iona journeys are alike. But they all have a few things in common. High-quality academics, outside-the-box thinking and dedication to helping others underscore every Iona experience.
Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence is a prestigious, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Founded in 1926 and consistently ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country,
Sarah Lawrence is known for its pioneering approach to education, rich history of impassioned intellectual and civic engagement, and vibrant, successful alumni. In close proximity to the unparalleled offerings of New York City, our historic campus is home to an inclusive, intellectually curious, and diverse community.
914-337-0700
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708