The 2024 Warren G. Harding Symposium will be held on July 19-20, 2024. The theme will be Taft, Wilson and Harding: First Ladies of Consequence. This exciting event will feature outstanding scholars and historians focusing on a remarkable group of American First Ladies, each of whom faced difficult challenges and were able to leave an indelible mark on a fascinating historical era and the United States presidency. Helen Herron “Nellie” Taft was one of her husband’s most astute and trusted advisors and was influential in many presidential decisions. She also gave the Taft administration a particular social brilliance. Ellen Wilson, the first wife of President Woodrow Wilson, played a major role in his career. She significantly changed the traditional role of the First Lady through her efforts to improve housing conditions for African Americans in Washington, D.C. Edith Galt Wilson was the president’s second wife. When her husband suffered a severe stroke, she functionally ran the Executive Branch of the government for the remainder of his presidency. Florence Harding was strong-willed and popular and had a major impact on her husband’s business and political careers. As First Lady, she opened the White House and grounds to the public and advocated for the rights of women and veterans.
The cost to attend the full conference is $150.00. À la carte Registration options are available as follows: Opening Reception ($40); Workshops ($75); Dinner and Keynote ($50).
To register, please click here or call 740.725.6340. The deadline to register is July 12.
Friday, July 19
6:30–7:30 p.m. Opening Reception – The Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum, 355 East Church Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
The opening reception of the 2024 Warren G. Harding Symposium will be held at the Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum in Marion, Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021 in Marion, Ohio. Along with refreshments, access to the museum and open house tours of the newly restored Harding Home the evening will offer a meet and greet with our featured presenters.
NOTE: The Warren G. Harding Library & Museum, as well as the Harding Home, will be closed during the day as we prepare for the reception.
7:30–8:30 p.m. The Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum, 355 East Church Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
The evening will conclude with a panel discussion featuring descendants of Presidents Taft, Wilson and Harding.
Saturday, July 20
10:30 a.m. Annual Presidential Wreath-laying Ceremony – The Harding Memorial Presidential Gravesite, 898 Delaware Avenue, Marion, Ohio 43302
Representing the White House, the Unites States Army will conduct the annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring President Harding’s service to the nation. The ceremony also pays tribute to Florence Harding. The service takes place in the interior of the Harding Memorial, with members of the Harding family and other dignitaries in attendance. This is a free event for all members of the public.
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop Session/Location – The Ohio State University at Marion, Morrill Hall Auditorium, 1465 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302
1:00–1:15 p.m. Introduction – Morrill Hall Auditorium, Ohio State Marion
1:15–2:30 p.m. Taft Session with Q & A – Morrill Hall Auditorium, Ohio State Marion
2:45 – 4:00 p.m. Wilson Session with Q & A – Morrill Hall Auditorium, Ohio State Marion
4:15 – 5:30 p.m. Harding Session with Q & A – Morrill Hall Auditorium, Ohio State Marion
5:30 p.m. Concluding Remarks – Gary Iams
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Gala Dinner and Keynote Speaker – The Ohio State University at Marion, Guthery Room – Maynard Hall, 2nd floor, 1461 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302
Author, researcher and Harding Presidential Sites Manager Sherry Hall will offer the keynote address, “Florence Harding: An Enduring Legacy.”
Sunday, July 21
Noon–1:30 p.m. Friends of WG Harding Brunch – Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum, 355 East Church Street, Marion, OH 43302
Members of the Friends of WG Harding are treated, free of charge, to a “thank you” brunch and annual meeting in the Harding Presidential Library & Museum. Non-members also may attend at the cost of $25 each. People may join the Friends group and attend the event free of charge anytime before the July 12 deadline. Members and non-members may register at hardingpresidentialsites.org.
The Warren G. Harding Symposium is a collaboration between The Ohio State University at Marion, the Harding Presidential Sites and the Ohio History Connection.
