The Southeast Ohio History Center Lyceum Luncheon Speaker Series will host Todd Arrington speaking on James A. Garfield and his unanticipated and unplanned nomination for president of the United States when he was working tirelessly to promote fellow Ohioan, and sitting Secretary of the Treasury, John Sherman at the 1880 Republican National Convention. After several failed tries Garfield’s exuberance, enthusiasm, oratory and command of the issues was clear to his party. When the smoke cleared, Garfield, not Sherman, was the nominee.

Todd Arrington is a longtime public historian. His 25 years in the National Park Service included 15 years at James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio. He was also with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Kansas. In 2020, the University Press of Kansas published his book The Last Lincoln Republican: The 1880 Presidential Election.

Arrington’s presentation will detail Garfield’s selection as a “dark horse” presidential nominee, and why, despite being a compromise choice, James A. Garfield was exactly who the Republican Party needed in 1880. This nomination led to the first front porch campaign for president in American history from Garfield’s home in Mentor, Ohio.

The Lyceum Luncheon Brown Bag Speaker Series will be held at noon on Thursday, March 19th at 24 West State Street in Athens.

The Southeast Ohio History Center’s Lyceum Luncheon Brown Bag Speaker Series is held at noon on the Third Thursday of the month at 24 West State Street in Athens. Due to ongoing construction upgrades at the History Center parking is limited. For more information about the History Center or the Lyceum Luncheon Speaker Series call 740-592-2280 or visit southeastohiohistory.org