Most American don’t know much about “John Adams, Our Second President.” Wedged between Washington and Jefferson, both symbols of their own age who continue to fascinate Americans today, Adams served only one term before defeat forced him to return to his home in Massachusetts. Award-winning author and historian Don Hickey will deliver an illustrated lecture on Adams at the Betty Strong Encounter Center at 2:00 PM on October 13, 2024. Admission is free with reception to follow.

At the forefront of the movement for independence, John Adams seemed like a natural to succeed Washington as our second president. However, his personal demons often interfered with his public life and made it difficult for him to achieve a special place in the hearts and minds of the American people.

Hickey holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and is a specialist in early American history and American military history. He is best known for his books, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict (University of Illinois Press) and Nebraska Moments: Glimpses of Nebraska’s Past (University of Nebraska Press). His latest book, Tecumseh’s War: The Epic Conflict for the Heart of America, (Westholme Publishing) was published in 2023.