Alaska, Hawaii, and the Politics of Statehood

Celebrating America 250! Lunch & Learn Series

News Release from Eisenhower Presidential Library, March 12, 2026

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 (7AM HST). 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.

Mar. 26 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT -- Alaska, Hawaii, and the Politics of Statehood (Lunch & Learn)

About the Eisenhower Presidential Library

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 16 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries preserve the documents and artifacts of our Presidents through archives, museums and public programs, offering vital insight into our nation and democracy. They safeguard the raw materials of history: evidence of democracy at work and the continuing relevance of past Presidential decisions. Public programs and exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library are made possible in part through the generous support of The Eisenhower Foundation. To learn more, visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.