In recognition of the America 250th anniversary, the 64th annual Robert Fortenbaugh Lecture will feature enhanced programming developed in collaboration with Sunderman Conservatory of Music. Dr. Matthew Pinsker, Brian C. Pohanka Chair of Civil War History at Dickinson College, will deliver the 2026 lecture, which is entitled, “Twelve Score and Ten: Lincoln, Gettysburg, and America 250.” Prof. Pinsker’s lecture will offer new insights about the partisan context behind Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address from his recent book, Boss Lincoln (Norton, 2026), and suggest ways it might help modern Americans navigate their own “unfinished work” during the America 250 anniversary.
Following Dr. Pinsker’s talk, the Gettysburg College Sunderman Conservatory’s Wind Symphony will perform Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” Commissioned during World War II to express the “magnificent spirit of our country," Copland chose Lincoln to represent the nation. “Lincoln Portrait” debuted at the Cincinnati Symphony in May of 1942, followed by a radio broadcast with Lincoln scholar, Carl Sandburg. Actor Bruce Boxleitner (Gods and Generals; A Gettysburg Christmas; Gettysburg, 1863; How the West Was Won; Bring ‘Em Back Alive; Scarecrow and Mrs. King; Babylon 5; The Gambler; Young Blades; Gunsmoke; Tron) will narrate “Lincoln Portrait.”
The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Majestic Theater (25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg). As this event will serve as the closing piece of the official America 250-Pennsylvania & Adams County’s "Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish" programming (November 18 & 19, 2026), large crowds are expected. Attendees are encouraged to obtain their free tickets ASAP at the Majestic Box Office, online, or by calling 717-337-8200. Further information about parking locations & shuttles will be posted soon at https://lincolnatgettysburg.org/transportation-and-parking/