John Batchelor and Hank Meijer discuss Mr. Meijer's recent book, "Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century."
Kellogg-Briand Pact--naive or great? Isolation or engagement? These were questions for President Coolidge, and are also questions today. This past week the Coolidge Foundation hosted an event in New York with Hendrik "Hank" Meijer, author of a new acclaimed biography of Senator Arthur Vandenberg. Vandenberg was one of Coolidge's allies in the effort to pass the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war.
Coolidge Foundation chairman Amity Shlaes introduced the event, and syndicated radio host John Batchelor, who is a distant relative of the thirtieth president, interviewed Mr. Meijer. Excerpts of Mr. Meijer speaking at length about his book, "Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century," on WABC's "The John Batchelor Show" are here and here.
We thank all who joined us for the event, especially Messrs. Meijer and Batchelor for an illuminating evening.
Coolidge Foundation chairman Amity Shlaes introduces the event, sharing historical context on the Coolidge-Vandenberg relationship.
Students from Stuyvesant High School and their teacher Robert Sandler joined us for the event.
Coolidge Foundation friends Ravenel Curry and John Childs pause for a photo.
Alexandra and Matthew Salavitch visit with 2017 Coolidge Scholarship finalists Simona Vigodner and Reese Caldwell.
Coolidge Debate League Inaugural Tournament
The Coolidge Foundation and Thales Academy are pleased to announce the launch of the Coolidge Debate League. We invite all students in grades 6-12 to participate in the inaugural tournament which takes place at Thales Academy-Rolesville (near Raleigh, NC) on February 17, 2018.
In the morning, students will attend a policy seminar on their debate topic: the capital gains tax. The late morning and afternoon will be dedicated to debate. The event is free and lunch will be provided to all students and judges.
To register, or for more information, please click here. Kindly register by January 31, 2018.
Presidents' Day at the Notch
We are pleased to partner with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to host a Presidents' Day Open House on Monday, February 19 in Plymouth Notch.
The Museum will be open to the public free of charge from 12:00-4:00 PM.
At 1:00 PM, education director Diane Kemble will give an overview of the Calvin Writing Prize and assist interested students in accessing research materials.
At 2:00 PM, William Jenney, site administrator, will welcome guests and give a preview of the upcoming special exhibit for the 2018 season.
And at 2:15 PM, Tracy Messer will perform as President Coolidge, recreating a speech Mr. Coolidge delivered on President Washington's birthday in 1926.
We hope you will join us at the Notch!
Calvin Writing Prize
Each year the Coolidge Foundation encourages Vermont students to discover lessons from the Coolidge presidency by competing for the Calvin Writing Prize.
This year's contest asks students to write a speech theywould deliver as president of the United States urging their fellow citizens to correct an injustice with respect to equal rights for all. Students must use examples from President Calvin Coolidge’s life and values when preparing their speech.
The first place winner will receive $1,500 and the runner-up will receive $500. More information is available here.
The deadline to submit is May 11, 2018.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
February 17, 2018 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST): Coolidge Debate League Inaugural Tournament at Thales Academy
February 19, 2018 (Noon to 4:00 PM EST): Presidents Day Open House in Plymouth Notch
May 11, 2018: Submission deadline for the Calvin Writing Prize
About News from the Notch
News from the Notch is the Coolidge Foundation's weekly e-Blast, designed to keep you connected and up-to-date on all the activities of the Foundation. We encourage you to contribute to the e-blast! Share stories, photos, tips, or tidbits for inclusion. Please forward the e-blast to a friend! Click here to subscribe to News from the Notch, and head over to our website to access the News from the Notch Archive.
