2024 ALP Conference - Dayton OH

last updated 04/21/2024
2024 ALP Conference - Dayton OH

The 2024 ALP (Association of Lincoln Presenters) Conference will be held in Dayton, OH.

Event details

A Gathering of Lincoln Presenters: Exploring History in Dayton, Ohio April 25-28

Image credit: Association of Lincoln Presenters

Dayton CVB Welcomes Association of Lincoln Presenters to Dayton

On September 17, 1859, future President Abraham Lincoln made an appearance in Dayton, speaking on the steps of what is now referred to as the “Old Courthouse.” A statue on Courthouse Square commemorates the event.

From April 25 through 28, you may possibly see multiple “Abraham Lincolns” and others dressed in 19th-century attire around Montgomery County, as the Association of Lincoln Presenters (ALP) hosts its annual conference in Dayton.

“Dayton is rich in late 19th and early 20th century history, including the fact that Abraham Lincoln actually visited our city, and that makes Montgomery County a perfect fit to host this conference,” said Dayton CVB President and CEO Jacquelyn Powell. “The Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to extend a warm Dayton welcome to The Association of Lincoln Presenters!”

Lincoln is remembered as a towering figure in American history. His leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to justice and equality left an indelible mark on the nation. A unique and passionate community honors his legacy–the Association of Lincoln Presenters.

Comprising individuals who portray Abraham and Mary Lincoln in various capacities, this association plays a crucial role in preserving the memory of one of America's greatest leaders. The ALP provides a supportive community for Lincoln presenters to exchange ideas, share resources and collaborate on projects.

The group organizes an annual convention, featuring workshops, panel discussions and presentations by renowned Lincoln scholars, providing valuable insights and fostering a sense of community among members.  The group also visits locations in the host city that hold historical significance. The conference brings together passionate individuals from across the nation who share a common fascination with the life and legacy of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

“One of our primary objectives is to ensure that portrayals of Abraham and Mary Lincoln are authentic and historically accurate,” said ALP member and conference organizer Susan Miller. “Members dedicate significant time and effort to researching Lincoln's life, speeches, mannerisms and even his physical appearance. By meticulously studying primary sources and historical records, they aim to present a faithful representation of the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.”

The 2024 ALP Conference, A Gathering of Lincoln Presenters: Exploring History in Dayton, Ohio, will host about 50 members. It includes Thursday and Friday gatherings and presentations for registrants. On Saturday, attendees will be out and about in Dayton–many attired as Abraham Lincoln or in other 19th century attire–visiting Lincoln-related sites around Montgomery County. Be on the lookout for Lincoln sightings, including a group photo with the Abraham Lincoln stature at Courthouse Square! 

The conference concludes on Saturday evening, April 27, at 6 p.m. with a buffet dinner and performance of The Henry “Box” Brown Show at the Dayton Woman’s Club. This event is open to the public–for ticket information, contact Teena Baldrige, at teenabaldrige@yahoo.com.

Baldrige, who is an ALP member and also president of the Dayton Lincoln Society, played a key role in helping bring the conference to Dayton.

“The ALP conferences are held mostly in cities that Lincoln either lived in or visited, and Teena gave a compelling presentation about Dayton’s Lincoln connections,” Miller said. “Lincoln spoke at the Dayton Courthouse, and the Dayton Lincoln Society erected a statue there. On March 3, 1865, President Lincoln also signed legislation that established a network of national facilities to care for the nation's wounded Civil War soldiers. The Dayton VA Medical Center, which resulted from that legislation, is one of the three oldest health care facilities in the nation. In addition, there are many Lincoln scholars associated with the Dayton Lincoln Society and several are speaking to the group during the conference.” 

“It’s an honor for the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau to assist an organization with such dedication to authenticity, education and community engagement, and we wish them tremendous success with their upcoming conference,” Powell said. “The Dayton CVB offers a wide range of complimentary services to assist groups of all types with their meeting and event planning needs. Reach out and our sales team will be happy to assist.”

As Dayton and Montgomery County’s destination marketing organization, the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau collaboratively leads and advocates for the development of the region’s visitor economy, which contributes to a thriving community, a diverse tax base and lifestyle amenities for everyone to enjoy. For more information about Dayton and services offered by the Dayton CVB, visit DaytonCVB.com.

Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau - The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB) serves as an economic catalyst by marketing and promoting our community as THE Ohio destination and providing services for tourism events, conventions, leisure and business travel.
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