Matthew Denhart Archive | Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation

Silence is Golden: What Politicians Can Learn from Silent Cal

June 8, 2015

“Silent Cal” is one of the most famous sobriquets ever bestowed on an American president, right up there with Honest Abe, Tricky Dick, King Andrew (Jackson), and my personal favorite, His Rotundity (John Adams). As evident from this list, presidential nicknames are not necessarily bestowed out of affection, as with a pet name; they often have less to do with policy or accomplishments and more with the president’s personal attributes and idiosyncrasies. With Silent Cal, it appears to be both poking fun at his laconism and an indictment of perceived political weakness.

Conservative Heroes: Fourteen Leaders Who Shaped America, From Jefferson to Reagan

June 2, 2015

Coolidge Foundation Trustee Garland Tucker’s masterful new exploration of fourteen famous and not-so-famous American leaders who shaped the intellectual history of the conservative movement from the Founding of the Republic to our present age.

Before Jackie O, There was Grace Coolidge

May 22, 2015

Jackie Kennedy has long been renowned for her laudable fashion sense and regal stature. During JFK’s presidency she sparkled on the national stage. Yet there was another first lady who was the Jackie of her time. At Plymouth Notch she is the Queen of all our hearts: Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge. Wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States, Grace warmed the hearts of all who knew her. She provided the family space and social grace that allowed her husband Calvin to succeed in the White House. The American people recognized what a gem they had in her, and we continue to celebrate the life of this great woman.

Remembering Carrie Brown Coolidge, Stepmother of the President

May 15, 2015

Carrie Brown Coolidge was born in Plymouth, VT, on January 22, 1857. She was known in her town as “… one of the brightest and most talented children … she took a strong interest in the great books and music of her time.” She arrived at Kimball Union Academy in the fall of 1879 and studied, among other subjects, geometry, meteorology, botany, French, Psychology and moral Science. Carrie graduated as Salutatorian of her class and gave the opening commencement speech, Light your Own Torch.

Speech and Debate Webinar on Subsidies

May 14, 2015

Last night Rushad Thomas, our program associate, conducted a Subsidies Webinar with the National Speech & Debate Association! You can find the link to his PowerPoint here, and hopefully we’ll upload the video once we receive it from the good folks at the NSDA!