By David J. Kent
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, February 10, 2022
On February 10, 2022, the New York State Library announced that they had acquired “the complete works of award-winning President Lincoln scholar and historian Harold Holzer.” The library notes that the complete collection includes:
“the research files and typescripts from Mr. Holzer’s 55 authored and co-authored books; more than 150 original lectures; photo files covering the development of the Lincoln image, and the art and iconography of the American Civil War; audio and video recordings of Holzer’s many television and radio appearances; and Holzer’s original correspondence from some of the leading historians, political leaders, and performers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.”
Harold has presented his research many times to the Lincoln Group of DC. He is currently the Chairman of the Lincoln Forum and active in many Abraham Lincoln organizations and activities around the nation. He has also been closely linked with the New York State Library, which they note:
“Mr. Holzer’s donation comes on the 30th anniversary of his appointment to the Board of the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, a post to which he was named by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1992, and still holds. Holzer was awarded the NY State Archives & History Award in 2017.
In addition to his work with the State Library, Mr. Holzer’s distinguished career featured several accolades, including the National Humanities Medal presented by President George W. Bush in 2008; an appointment to co-chair of the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission by President Bill Clinton; and writing the Lincoln essay in the official commemorative book for the re-inauguration of President Barack Obama”
The Lincoln Group of DC would like to congratulate Harold Holzer for his long career and accomplishments as an Abraham Lincoln expert, and the foresight to donate his collection of papers to the New York State Library. Harold is quoted in the press release as saying:
“It’s a great honor to know that this material, which reflects so much of my work in the six decades since the 1970s, will be preserved at this wonderful institution—one where I have conducted research of my own and learned a great deal from its holdings,” said Harold Holzer.“ As someone who has worked in Albany and has known so many extraordinary people here—in government, education, historical preservation, the museum world, and the arts—I am thrilled that our capital will hold this archive in perpetuity.”
Harold Holzer is currently the Jonathan F. Fanton Director of the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College.