Museum programs focus on presidents, first dads

Just in time for the upcoming presidential election, the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, is opening a new exhibition on the American presidency at 1 p.m. Saturday.

There will be a special program and one-day display of authentic documents in George Washington's hand.

Dr. Jude Pfister, chief ranger of Cultural Resources at Morristown Historical National Park, will speak on "The Literary Legacy of George Washington."

Pfister is the author of several books, as well as multiple articles and reviews. He currently oversees the Morristown Historical National Park museum, archival and library programs.

Morristown was the site of George Washington's Continental Army winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780. During this time, the soldiers faced the coldest winter on record for this area of the country.

The American presidency Exhibit features presidential portraits, rare campaign buttons, authentic commemorative pieces and original items related to individual presidents.

The exhibit investigates the evolution of the complex and powerful role of the president. It examines how recent historians have ranked the success of presidents.

A local component explores the many American presidents and presidential candidates who have visited the Lehigh Valley.

Highlights include artifacts relating to some of America's most revered presidents - Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

More than 300 unique historical artifacts, from signed documents to rare campaign pins will form part of the exhibit.

First dads

In conjunction with the American presidency exhibit, at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 the museum hosts biographer Joshua Kendall for a lecture and book signing.

Kendall is the author of "First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama."

Of the 43 men who have served in the nation's highest office, 38 fathered children, while the other five adopted children. Each president's parenting style reveals much about his beliefs as well as his psychological make up.

Kendall's book explores which type of parent might be best suited to leading the American people and how the fathering experiences of our presidents have forever changed the course of American history.

Kendall is an award-winning journalist. He has authored and co-authored several books. His articles have appeared in numerous prominent publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today and Businessweek.

Copies of his book will be available, and he will sign copies following the presentation.

Admission is free to heritage museum/Lehigh County Historical Society members; nonmembers pay only $8 for adults, $3 for nonmember children.

For more information, visit www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.