Zachariah Chandler (1813-1879) was one of the best-known politicians of his day. A founder of the Republican party in Michigan, a staunch abolitionist and a radical in the Senate for nearly 20 years, upon his death Chandler was described as the most politically powerful man in America besides Ulysses S. Grant.

Today, Chandler is less well-remembered than many of his contemporaries, and monuments to his memory are hard to find; a statue of Chandler that once graced the U.S. Capitol rotunda is tucked away in a state office building in Lansing. Many Detroiters best recognize his name from Chandler Park.

This talk, hosted by historian Amy Elliott Bragg, will explore who Chandler was, what remains in his memory, and why the park in particular keeps his name alive.

About Amy Elliott Bragg: Amy leads the Elmwood Cemetary Historic Foundation's public programs, including tours, special events, and community partnerships, and directs the Foundation's communications with members, the media and the general public. A former editor at The Detroit News and Crain's Detroit Business, Amy continues to write about Detroit's history as a freelancer, in her own newsletter, and on Elmwood's social and digital channels. She is a past president of Preservation Detroit and was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's first 40 Under 40 list in 2018.

This is not a ticketed event, meaning seats are available first-come, first-serve. Registration is still highly encouraged in order to receive important updates about this lecture.