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Abilene, Kan. - The Eisenhower Presidential Library will host the Lunch & Learn program, "Alaska, Hawaii, and the Politics of Statehood," on March 26, 2026, at 12 p.m. CDT. The hybrid program will take place in the Library building indoor courtyard and will be available online via YouTube Livestream. Guests attending in person should arrive by 11:45 a.m. The library will provide a light box-lunch on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dr. C. Lawrence Evans, the Newton Family Professor of Government at William & Mary, will join the program virtually to discuss the political debate surrounding the admission of Alaska and Hawaii as states.
"The granting of statehood to Alaska and Hawaii constituted one of the definitive political disputes of the immediate post World War II era," Evans notes. The presentation will clarify why admission took nearly 15 years after strong public support emerged and will highlight President Eisenhower's pivotal role. Evans will also examine the implications for current statehood discussions regarding the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Evans has authored several scholarly books on congressional policy making and co-edited Congress Reconsidered, 13th ed. His most recent book, The Whips, received the Richard F. Fenno, Jr. Prize.
The 2026 programming season is dedicated to celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Join us throughout the year as we examine President Eisenhower's top accomplishments in the continual pursuit of a more perfect Union. These programs are all made possible courtesy of The Eisenhower Foundation.
About the Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 16 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Presidential Libraries play a vital role in preserving and providing access to historical materials, supporting research, and fostering a deeper understanding of the presidency and the American experience. Through interactive exhibits and public programs, they aim to educate and inspire. The Eisenhower Presidential Library's public programs and exhibits receive generous funding and support from The Eisenhower Foundation.