Calendar of Events

Speaker: Tom Wheeler

Author of Lincoln’s T-mails: The Untold Story of How Abraham Lincoln Used the Telegraph to Win the Civil War, Tom Wheeler has accepted the invitation to speak at the 77th Annual Watchorn Lincoln Dinner on February 12, 2009. 

Past Events

February 10, 2008

Shrine Open House

Lincoln Shrine Open House

Sunday, Feb 10

11 am - 4 pm

February 12, 2008

Annual Lincoln Dinner

Matthew Pinsker, Speaker

Lincoln Shrine Dinner

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Tickets: $35.00

            Rising Lincoln scholar Dr. Matthew Pinsker will be the speaker at the 76^th annual Watchorn Lincoln dinner, to be held February 12^th at the University of Redland’s Orton Center.  Dr. Pinsker will speak about his book “Lincoln’s Sanctuary,” the Soldier’s Home in Washington D.C. that served as Lincoln’s defacto summer White House from 1862-64.  Although Lincoln spent more than a quarter of his presidency at the Soldiers Home, most Americans are unaware of its importance.  It was here that Lincoln took some of his most important actions including the writing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the firing of General George McClellan.

            Using little known letters and memoirs of people who lived and worked at the Soldiers Home, Pinsker was able to provide new insight into both the public and private life of America’s greatest president, in doing so helps humanize the sometimes larger than life Lincoln and greatens our understanding of his life and times.

            Dr. Pinsker is the Pohanka Chair in civil War history at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 1990 and then earned his doctorate from Oxford University in 1995.  In addition to Lincoln’s Sanctuary, he is the author of Abraham Lincoln, part of the American President’s Reference series, and numerous articles and essays.

            “Matt is part of the new breed of Lincoln scholars,” said Shrine curator Don McCue. “He learned his craft working with David Donald and Gabor Boritt and has already made a major impact with Lincoln’s Sanctuary.  He combines excellent research skills with an entertaining narrative style.  The timing for Dr. Pinsker’s presentation is fortuitous as the restored Soldiers will be re-opened to the public this February.  I have heard Matt speak in Gettysburg and I’m certain that Inland Empire Lincoln and history enthusiasts can look forward to a very enjoyable evening on February 12^th.” 

            In addition to Dr. Pinsker’s presentation, Dr. Jeff Rickard and his regimental volunteers will perform their traditional medley of Civil War Music.  Named in honor of the Lincoln memorial Shrine founder Robert Watchorn, the dinner has been held since 1932 as a way of celebrating Lincoln’s legacy.  Reservations for the dinner cost $35 and are available by calling the Heritage Room at A.K. Smiley Public Library at 909-798-7632.

November 18, 2007

Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

On November 19, 1863 Abraham Lincoln gave a few “appropriate remarks” which redefined the American Republic. The Lincoln Memorial Shrine of Redlands, California will again commemorate the anniversary of that event with a Civil War encampment on Sunday November 18, 2007. The celebration will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Re-enactors from the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry will create a period encampment in the park in front of the Lincoln Shrine where they will answer questions and entertain all those who attend. In addition, Lincoln presenter Don Ancell will be present to recreate the historic moment by reciting the two and a half minutes of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

One of the most popular members of the 116th will also be on hand for this event. Larry Duncan will reprise his role as a Civil War surgeon. His somewhat graphic displays and demonstrations are always informative and entertaining.

October 6, 2007 

Mountain Fifes and Drums

Will be performing a selection of Civil War & Revolutionary War songs & marches

at A.K. Smiley Public Library's 4th Annual Family Day

Performance Times:

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.