Presidential Chronicles Events
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David Fisher’s Appearance on Fox45 News in Baltimore
David Fisher is interviewed by Fox45’s
weekend morning news anchor
Shannon Lilly to discuss historical perspectives
regarding the recent U.S. attack on Iran.
March 7, 2026
Click here to see the interview.
New Documentary: “Dear Mr. President: The Letters of Julia Sand”
David Fisher serves as one of the featured historians to tell the story of how the
letters from a private citizen, an invalid
woman named Julia Sand, inspired the
nation’s new President Chester Arthur,
to reject his sordid past of machine
politics and rise to the occasion to champion civil service reform in his one term
in office in the first half of the 1880s.
It’s a remarkable story about how one person can make a huge impact, and how a new President can find the courage to put country before self. The award-winning documentary by filmmaker Destry Edwards is now available on YouTube.
Anthem Film Festival
Panel Discussion after the screening
of the new documentary
“Dear Mr. President –
The Letters of Julia Sand”
at the Anthem Film Festival
Palm Springs, CA | June 11, 2025
The film, which captured the top prize at the festival for Best Documentary Feature, tells the story about how the letters from a private citizen, an invalid woman named Julia Sand, inspired the nation’s new President Chester Arthur, to courageously reject his sordid past of machine politics and rise to the occasion and champion civil service reform in his one term in office in the first half of the 1880s.
David Fisher was one of the featured historians utilized by Filmmaker Destry Edwards to tell the story. Fisher joined Edwards in the panel discussion after the showing of the film at the Anthem Film Festival.
“Our Most Critical Elections”
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Fall Lecture Series
October 31, 2024 | 1:00 pm
With the presidential election right around the corner, the assertion that this is "the most important election in our lifetime" has returned. It is a common refrain that seems to reappear every four years. But what are the most critical presidential elections in American history? Presidential historian David Fisher will explore that question with the circumstances surrounding six elections that truly moved the country in a new direction -- and a very different direction than if the results went the other way.
American POTUS Podcast with Scott Brun and Alan Lowe
David Fisher returned for another conversation with Scott and Alan, with perspectives from Presidential Chronicles volumes IV and V.
Episode originally aired in May 2024.
Check it out at AmericanPOTUS.org
“Presidents from Abe Lincoln to Silent Cal”
"Four Presidents & a Constitution"
Replayed on CSPAN
Presidential Lecture Series, Lancaster History
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA; Home of James Buchanan
In Person and Online: November 2, 2023
(see description below)
"Four Presidents & a Constitution"
Presidential Lecture Series, Lancaster History
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA; Home of James Buchanan
In Person and Online: November 2, 2023
On Thursday, November 2, join LancasterHistory as we welcome author David Fisher to discuss how the four United States presidents who served between 1850 – 1865 viewed their obligation to the United States’ Constitution.
All American Presidents are sworn into office with an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States,” but interpretations of that obligation have varied from one executive to another. How should history view the presidents who served between 1850 – 1865, including their successes and failures, in the context of various constitutional provisions, such as its clauses and amendments? Is there a “higher law” than the Constitution and, if so, when should it be invoked? Author David Fisher will discuss these various Constitutional interpretations in the context of the four presidents who served between 1850 and 1865, including James Buchanan.
"U.S. Presidents and War"
(first 125 years)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Begins September 28, 2023, every Monday at 1:00pm for six weeks
Location: The Village at Rockville
America’s Presidents are tested in war unlike any other aspect of the job. For many American Presidents, those tests first take place on the field of battle long before they reach the White House. This course will peer into the nation’s first five major military conflicts as seen through the lives and experiences of America’s Presidents. From privates to officers to commanding generals to commanders-in-chief, wars have been proving grounds that test the mettle of the men who ultimately occupy the Oval Office. Many thrived, some stumbled, all making for great stories that provide color and insight to American history.
"Presidential Chronicles: From George Washington to Theodore Roosevelt"
Montgomery College, Lifelong Learning Institute
Begins October 3, 2022, every Monday at 1:30pm for six weeks
American POTUS Podcast with Scott Brun and Alan Lowe
Episode originally aired on November 30, 2022
Check it out at AmericanPOTUS.org
"The First 15: Setting Precedence for The POTUS"
"Stories from The Life of James Monroe"
White House Historical Association,
History Happy Hour,
August 4, 2022, 5:30pm
"What Would the Founding Fathers Think Today?"
presented by Author David Fisher
Join us for our presentation and discussion.
Montgomery College, Lifelong Learning Institute
June 10, 2022, 3:30pm
