The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will host two lectures delving into the history of the Kutztown Folk Festival and Abraham Lincoln during two upcoming lectures.

The first lecture titled “A History of the Kutztown Folk Festival 1950-2024” with Dr. William Donner, will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m.

The program will explain the impact the Kutztown Folk Festival had on Pennsylvania Dutch Culture.

“The Kutztown Folk Festival was an important annual event in our region, we were saddened to learn 2024 was its final year,” said museum Executive Director James Higgins.

Since its inception in 1950, the Kutztown Folk Festival, had at one time, grown into one of the largest and most beloved folk festivals in the country.

However, after over seven decades of vibrant celebrations, the decision has been made to close the festival in 2024.

Donner will explore the creation, years of memories, and demise of the beloved festival.

Donner, who received his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, is a professor of anthropology at Kutztown University with a focus on Pennsylvania Dutch culture and history.

On March 15, the heritage museum will create Abraham Lincoln’s favorite cake.

Taste history when you enjoy an authentic slice of Lincoln’s favorite white-almond cake made from Mary Lincoln’s original recipe.

The event begins at 1 p.m., with a celebration of the sixteenth president’s birthday.

Award winning author and historian Edward Achorn will present a lecture program on his newest book, “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention that Changed History.”

“We are honored to host an award winning Lincoln scholar of national recognition,” Higgins said.

The lecture will focus on the 1860 Republican Convention which saw the election of Lincoln as the Republican candidate for U.S. President.

Achorn will discuss how Lincoln, then an obscure Illinois lawyer, overcame political setbacks, including two failed Senate bids and a single term in Congress a decade earlier.

As the convention opened in 1860, Lincoln faced several strong opponents, including New York Sen. William Seward, Salmon Chase and Edward Bates.

Achorn will delve into the dramatic events at the convention that ultimately changed the course of history and helped shape America.

After the lecture enjoy a slice of Lincoln’s favorite white almond cake made from Mary Todd Lincoln’s recipe. Achorn will also be available for book-signing.

Both programs are made possible by grant funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development. There is an entrance fee for non-museum members.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is located at 432 W. Walnut St. Allentown.