Professor Donald, whose many books include a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Abraham Lincoln, was the recipient of the Lincoln Forum’s annual “Richard Nelson Current Award", which was established in 1996 to honor special "contributions to the spirit of Lincoln in both word and deed.” During his acceptance speech, Professor Donald told several anecdotes about Mr. Current, praising his scholarship and his approach to history.

Then Ms. Goodwin discussed some of the themes of her forthcoming book on President Lincoln’s cabinet. She examined the personalities and ambitions of the men whom Lincoln assigned to high-level positions, and compared their strengths and weaknesses to those of Lincoln himself. After her remarks she answered questions from the audience.