Members Holiday Party

Thursday, December 3, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Community

Stylized Christmas Tree

The holidays are a fitting time to reflect on legacy, memory, and the stories we choose to carry forward, themes at the heart of Abraham Lincoln's enduring place in American life. Join us for our Members Holiday Party, a special evening featuring Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Shutt will share how the institution works to bring Lincoln's legacy to new generations, from its collections and exhibits to its role as a gathering place for public memory and historical reflection.

This is a members-only event. Members should watch their email for more information about how to register.

About the Speaker

Christina Shutt is the Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the premier institution for understanding the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and Illinois. She is a recognized leader in libraries and museums and is frequently sought after for her expertise in libraries, curation, museum management, and accreditation.

Since her appointment in 2021, Shutt has launched community outreach efforts to make the institution more welcoming and inclusive, curated national award-winning exhibitions showcasing the diverse history of Illinois, created the museum’s first augmented reality digital experience in partnership with Google and Thoughtworks, and received the 2024 National Leadership in History Award for her curated exhibition, “Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois.” Additionally, her innovative and collaborative leadership resulted in the ALPLM being awarded first-time national museum accreditation, a distinction only 3% of museums hold in the United States.

Throughout her career, she has championed efforts to make libraries, archives, and museums more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible, believing that the heart of these institutions must represent the communities they serve. Shutt is passionate about making history relatable and is co-author of the award-winning new book, Lincoln: The Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects that weaves together expert commentary, poignant anecdotes, and beautiful photographs to bring to life rare, personal objects and the most iconic items and documents from Lincoln’s life and tenure as president.

Program Schedule

5:00 pm Cocktail Reception
5:45 pm Dinner
6:30 pm Program
7:00 pm Program Concludes

About the Hauenstein Center

Inspired by Ralph Hauenstein’s life of leadership and service, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.

Consider supporting our work and enjoying special benefits by purchasing a membership. Members receive special invitations to events such as this one!

More About Membership