Harvard University professor Annette Gordon-Reed recently published "On Juneteenth," a memoir about growing up in Texas that also dives into the history of the now-federal holiday.
Presidential historian Jon Meacham’s newest book, "And There Was Light," is about the life and upbringing of President Abraham Lincoln. The book comes out in October.
Although both historians have gathered nationwide attention for their recent publications, their contributions to the field of American history span decades.
The honorees will engage in a community conversation at the Aspen Institute and moderated by Scott Simon, host of NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday.”
Simon is a history lover as well as a writer and journalist.
He has been with NPR since 1977, when he started as the Chicago bureau chief, and has hosted "Weekend Edition Saturday" since 1985.
This Saturday’s conversation in Aspen is part of the institute's annual "Summer Celebration" fundraiser. Tickets for the public talk with Simon at 5 p.m. in Greenwald Pavilion cost $40. Tickets for the private dinner at the Doerr-Hosier Center after the discussion start at $1,000.
Halle Zander spoke with Simon on Wednesday about the upcoming event and his recent work.
