Author Coming To Garfield National Historic Site For Talk, Book Signing Saturday

Not only will the James A. Garfield National Historic Site be free for visitors on Saturday, it will host a pair of talks -- including a book signing by Lincoln family expert, Jason Emerson.

Emerson’s latest book is Giant in the Shadows: The Life of Robert T. Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln was the only child of Abraham and Mary Lincoln to survive to adulthood.

The younger Lincoln graduated from Harvard, served as a Union officer during the Civil War; and, in 1881, was named U.S. Secretary of War by President James A. Garfield.

Garfield and Robert Lincoln developed a warm friendship, and Emerson will discuss this relationship during his talk at 2 p.m..

Copies of Giant in the Shadows will be available for sale in the park's book store and Emerson will gladly sign them after his talk.

Prior to Emerson’s 2 p.m. presentation, a program at 1 p.m. will explore the assassination and death of President Garfield, who was shot on July 2, 1881 and lingered until September 19, 1881.

Park Ranger Alan Gephardt will speak about the shooting, medical care of the wounded president, and Garfield’s eventual death.

Funding for the day's program was provided by Hiram College and the Ohio Humanities Council.