LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, will host a presentation by Jeffrey Boutwell on his new book, "Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy," on Thursday, April 3. Doors will open and a reception and book signing by the author will begin at 5 p.m. The panel discussion will take place at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

The lecture will explore the political contributions of Congressman George S. Boutwell from Massachusetts. Jeffrey, a distant relative of George, will trace a life that offers an insider's view of pivotal moments that laid the groundwork for modern America. George interacted with James Buchanan during the Antebellum Era and worked with Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and with Thaddeus Stevens during Reconstruction.

Jeffrey is a writer, historian, and policy specialist whose 40-year career spanned journalism, government, and international scientific cooperation. He has a Bachelor of Arts in history from Yale University and a Ph.D. in political science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Columbia, Md.

Boutwell's lecture is part of LancasterHistory's Presidential Lecture Series, which presents new scholarship related to the presidency in mid-19th-century America. The series explores the issues of political, social, and civic life faced by the persons holding America's highest office during some of the nation's most fraught events.

This program is free and open to the public. In-person attendance requires advance registration in order to guarantee a seat. Due to capacity restrictions, tickets may not be available at the door. Virtual attendance requires advance registration in order to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit http://www.lancasterhistory.org or call 717-392-4633. Registration will close online when the presentation begins.