Though almost always popular while president, Ronald Reagan has become even more so today. The “Great Communicator” helped oversee a peaceful transition from a world engulfed in Marxist communism to one where democracy became the rule. Even Hollywood, where Reagan had his roots, is taking notice — actor Dennis Quaid is set to portray the 40th president on the big screen next year.

Still, some things never change and central planning may be starting to make a comeback. The popularity of socialism has started to increase in the United States and some politicians have proposed the federal government taking over huge segments of the private economy — everything from health care to energy to transportation.

Author Larry Schweikart will release a new biography on Ronald Reagan later in 2019, titled Reagan: The American President. In researching the book, Schweikart unearthed new documents and a trove of new findings that will help show how the former president saw the world. This talk will take you back to the 1980s, but will include important lessons for today.

Dr. Larry Schweikart is a native Arizonian who received a degree from Arizona State University before launching an eclectic career. He first went on the road with several different rock bands, opening for such acts as Steppenwolf, before abruptly decided he wanted to be a history professor. Schweikart received an M.A. from ASU in history and a Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara. Since 1985 he has taught at the University of Dayton. Schweikart’s bestselling books include Seven Events that Made America America, 48 Liberal Lies About American History, and his #1 New York Times bestseller, with Mike Allen, A Patriot’s History of the United States. He has been on almost all media, from Al-Jazeera to Glenn Beck, from Travis Smiley to Rush Limbaugh. Since 2009, he has been a film producer and his documentary, “Rockin’ the Wall,” about rock music’s part in bringing down the Iron Curtain, appeared on PBS. He retired in 2016 to move back to Arizona. His two most recent books are the Politically Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, from Washington to Taft and How Trump Won.

Lunch is free for attendees who RSVP. Registration is required by April 18.

You may register online or by contacting Sandra Darland at 989-698-1905 or events@mackinac.org.