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How involved should the government be in battling economic crises? Financial expert James Grant holds up the hands-off approach taken by Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding to overcome the oft-overlooked recession of 1920-21 as a lesson for this and future generations.

James Grant, a financial journalist and historian, is the founder and editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer. His most recent book is The Forgotten Depression: 1921: The Crash That Cured Itself.

Note: This event is sold out

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9–9:30 am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:30–11 am: Program

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Abraham Lincoln spoke directly to the public through the press, and when the Civil War broke out he authorized the most widespread censorship in the nation’s history, closing down “disloyal” papers and even jailing editors who opposed enlistment or sympathized with secession. Historian Harold Holzer illuminates how Lincoln utilized the press to preserve the Union, abolish slavery, and shape the nation.

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9–9:30 am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:30–11 am: Program

Lasting from 1620 to 1691, Plymouth Colony was founded as a refuge by devout Christians escaping the persecution and volatile political environment of their English homeland. However life in the New World came with its own set of challenges—and some very high costs. In a talk highlighted with clips from his new documentary, celebrated filmmaker Ric Burns brings to life the story of the Pilgrims.

Note: This event is sold out

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Join us for a colorful evening with Barry Lewis, whose Eastside vs. Westside lecture returns by popular demand. By the end of the 19th century, Central Park West had become a bastion of middle class life and Fifth Avenue the boulevard of the very wealthy. Today the east side chateaux have almost all disappeared, but the middle class apartment buildings of the west side remain a vital part of the New York skyline.

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From Lyndon Johnson to Henry Kissinger to George W. Bush, the U.S.’s dominant role in global affairs has been wrought with divisive decision making, clashes between friends and allies, and leaders’ internal struggles to find the narrow path between underperformance and over commitment. Stephen Sestanovich explores the dramatic results of American global primacy built on these anxious foundations and unearths the backroom stories and personalities that bring American foreign policy to life.

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9–9:30 am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:30–11 am: Program

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From her memorable role in The World of Suzie Wong to her remarkable performance in Flower Drum Song, Nancy Kwan is one of the first actresses of Chinese descent to achieve fame in Western cinema, opening the doors for many actors to follow. In an intimate conversation with acclaimed producer Susan Lacy, Ms. Kwan recounts the defining moments of her memorable career and shares stories of influential friendships with icons such as Bruce Lee and Dean Martin, among others.

Note: This program is sold out

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During the Victorian row house era homes shrank to 16 feet in width, and when apartments came in during the 20th century the middle class had to make do with awkward layouts. Join Barry Lewis for a lively exploration of the development of New York’s middle class housing and discover the extreme challenges that many have faced in order to make this city their home.

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9–9:30 am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:30–11 am: Discussion

Sonia Sotomayor’s historic appointment in 2009 as the first Latina Supreme Court Justice flowed from cultural and political changes in America that helped elevate this daughter of a Puerto Rican nurse and a factory worker. Two of the most prestigious Supreme Court experts explore how Associate Justice Sotomayor has challenged an institution and the societal differences she is making.