Jon Meacham delivered a keynote address on how presidents look to their predecessors for their own political inspirations. He also responded to questions from members of the audience. Mr. Meacham is the author of several presidential biographies, including American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.
The fifth Presidential Sites and Libraries Conference, “Renewing Ideals and Engaging the Public,” was hosted by The University of Virginia’s Miller Center of Public Affairs. The other sponsors were the American Association for State and Local History; James Madison’s Montpelier; Monticello; the National Park Service; the National Archives and Records Administration; President Lincoln’s Cottage, a National Trust Historic Site; and the White House Historical Association.