2025 Tom E. Moses Memorial Constitution Day Lecture
June 20, 2025
Meet New Staff at Robert C. Byrd Center on June 28
The Robert C. Byrd Center invites you to meet our new staff on Saturday, June 28. This casual event with light refreshments will provide an opportunity for community members to connect with the Byrd Center, to learn how they can get involved, to meet some of our student interns, and to see what future programming is in the works!
We hope to see you, as we celebrate the start of a new chapter at the Robert C. Byrd Center!
Parking is permitted in Lot B, behind the Robert C. Byrd Center and Scarborough Library, accessible from Princess Street. Due to construction on North King Street, the front door of the Center is only accessible by stairs between the Byrd Center and Ikenberry Hall. Free on-street parking is also available within walking distance. For ADA accessibility, back door entrance from Lot B is required. Please call (443) 928-3211 if this entrance is needed, and a staff member will let you in.
The staff of the Robert C. Byrd Center look forward to meeting you!
We hope to see you, as we celebrate the start of a new chapter at the Robert C. Byrd Center!
Parking is permitted in Lot B, behind the Robert C. Byrd Center and Scarborough Library, accessible from Princess Street. Due to construction on North King Street, the front door of the Center is only accessible by stairs between the Byrd Center and Ikenberry Hall. Free on-street parking is also available within walking distance. For ADA accessibility, back door entrance from Lot B is required. Please call (443) 928-3211 if this entrance is needed, and a staff member will let you in.
The staff of the Robert C. Byrd Center look forward to meeting you!
June 16, 2025
The Byrd Center Ushers in New Leadership
New Staff Represent Byrd CHE at Shepherd University's New Student Orientation, June 10, 2025.
Left to right: Dei'Ja Taylor-Mallory (Byrd Center Intern), Zach Dougherty (Director), Melanie Garvey (Archivist), Patrick Fuller (Admin. and Program Assistant).
The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education is pleased to announce new leadership as it welcomes new staff dedicated to advancing the Center’s mission of programs and research that promote a better public understanding of Congress, the Constitution and representative democracy.
Zach Dougherty has been named Director of the Byrd Center. A national leader in civic engagement, he brings extensive experience in government affairs. Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and a B.A. in History and Political Science from Monmouth University. He most recently served as a registered lobbyist and community organizer for the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, where he led efforts to advance good government reforms and built statewide coalitions focused on youth political engagement.
Melanie Garvey is the new Archivist at the Center. She is a historian and educator with more than a decade of museum experience. A graduate of Shepherd University, she earned her M.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Prior to joining the Byrd Center, she served as the Archivist and Historian for the Clarke County Historical Association in Virginia. She teaches history and archives courses as an adjunct at Shepherd University.
Dr. Ray Smock, long-time Director, and now Director Emeritus, said, “I know that Zach Dougherty will bring talent and skill to the mission of the Byrd Center. Like Senator Byrd, Zach believes that the Founders of this nation expected Congress, not the executive branch, to be the fulcrum of the federal government. And I am delighted that two Shepherd University graduates, Melanie Garvey and Patrick Fuller, have joined the staff. It is an excellent team."
Zach Dougherty commented “I’m honored to build on Ray Smock’s legacy and lead the Byrd Center into its next chapter. Our new team is committed to expanding our educational programs, deepening civic engagement, and ensuring that the history and function of Congress remain accessible to citizens.
Founded in 2002 and named in honor of Senator Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving U.S. Senator in American history, the Byrd Center carries out its mission through lectures, public forums, teacher institutes, film screenings, and civic education programs designed to foster a deeper appreciation of the legislative branch of government and its role in American democracy. The Center conducts research and its extensive archive of Senator Byrd and other West Virginia members of Congress is open for study by scholars and members of the public.
Zach Dougherty has been named Director of the Byrd Center. A national leader in civic engagement, he brings extensive experience in government affairs. Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and a B.A. in History and Political Science from Monmouth University. He most recently served as a registered lobbyist and community organizer for the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, where he led efforts to advance good government reforms and built statewide coalitions focused on youth political engagement.
Melanie Garvey is the new Archivist at the Center. She is a historian and educator with more than a decade of museum experience. A graduate of Shepherd University, she earned her M.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Prior to joining the Byrd Center, she served as the Archivist and Historian for the Clarke County Historical Association in Virginia. She teaches history and archives courses as an adjunct at Shepherd University.
Dr. Ray Smock, long-time Director, and now Director Emeritus, said, “I know that Zach Dougherty will bring talent and skill to the mission of the Byrd Center. Like Senator Byrd, Zach believes that the Founders of this nation expected Congress, not the executive branch, to be the fulcrum of the federal government. And I am delighted that two Shepherd University graduates, Melanie Garvey and Patrick Fuller, have joined the staff. It is an excellent team."
Zach Dougherty commented “I’m honored to build on Ray Smock’s legacy and lead the Byrd Center into its next chapter. Our new team is committed to expanding our educational programs, deepening civic engagement, and ensuring that the history and function of Congress remain accessible to citizens.
Founded in 2002 and named in honor of Senator Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving U.S. Senator in American history, the Byrd Center carries out its mission through lectures, public forums, teacher institutes, film screenings, and civic education programs designed to foster a deeper appreciation of the legislative branch of government and its role in American democracy. The Center conducts research and its extensive archive of Senator Byrd and other West Virginia members of Congress is open for study by scholars and members of the public.
May 7, 2025
Author C.W. Goodyear Meets Students and Staff at Byrd Center
(Back row): Tish Wiggs, Tabatha Delphi, Kevin Murphy, C.W. Goodyear, Ray Smock.
(Front): Molly Kaltenbaugh, Tamara Cole, Patrick Fuller, Josh Walker.
On May 2, the Byrd Center welcomed author C.W. Goodyear for an informal meet-and-greet with Shepherd students and Byrd Center staff. Goodyear, whose 2023 biography “President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier” received praise from the Wall Street Journal, is currently writing a political biography about Senator Byrd. Over the past 18 months, his project has funded positions for 5 undergraduate students tasked with scanning the Senator’s papers on Goodyear’s behalf. This meet-and-greet gave the author the opportunity to discuss his research and allowed students to ask questions about the project. Many thanks to C.W. Goodyear, and we look forward to seeing his newest work published!
May 5, 2025
West Virginia Hive Visits Byrd Center During "Bridging Innovation Week"
(Left to right): Mike Fulton, Tish Wiggs, Mary Legg, Devon Fitzgerald, Matt Nichols, Judy Moore.
On May 1, The Robert C. Byrd Center was pleased to welcome Mike Fulton, Judy Moore, Mary Legg, Matt Nichols, and Devon Fitzgerald to Shepherd University for the West Virginia Business Link’s “Bridging Innovation Week.”
Mike Fulton served as a staffer for Robert Mollohan (1979-1982) and Alan Mollohan (1982-1988) and currently serves as Director of the Washington, D.C. Office of the Asher Agency. In addition to housing archival materials from Senator Byrd, the Robert C. Byrd Center also houses materials from the collection of Representative Alan Mollohan and others.
Judy Moore currently serves as Executive Director of the West Virginia Hive, the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA). Working with Judy, are Mary Legg (Business Capacity Services Department Lead), Matt Nichols (Regional Business Advisor), and Devon Fitzgerald (Regional Business Advisor).
The mission of the West Virginia Hive is to connect entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise needed to grow successful companies in the Mountain State. Emeritus Director Ray Smock and Archivist Tish Wiggs provided the group with a peek at the Byrd Center Archives during their visit to Shepherd University.
Mike Fulton served as a staffer for Robert Mollohan (1979-1982) and Alan Mollohan (1982-1988) and currently serves as Director of the Washington, D.C. Office of the Asher Agency. In addition to housing archival materials from Senator Byrd, the Robert C. Byrd Center also houses materials from the collection of Representative Alan Mollohan and others.
Judy Moore currently serves as Executive Director of the West Virginia Hive, the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA). Working with Judy, are Mary Legg (Business Capacity Services Department Lead), Matt Nichols (Regional Business Advisor), and Devon Fitzgerald (Regional Business Advisor).
The mission of the West Virginia Hive is to connect entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise needed to grow successful companies in the Mountain State. Emeritus Director Ray Smock and Archivist Tish Wiggs provided the group with a peek at the Byrd Center Archives during their visit to Shepherd University.
April 10, 2025
Byrd Center Welcomes Patrick Fuller as New Assistant
The Byrd Center is pleased to announce that Patrick Fuller, a 2021 graduate of Shepherd University with a B.A. in History, has joined the staff of the Byrd Center as Administrative and Program Assistant. He takes the place of Kristen Marino, who remains on campus with the Civil War Center and the Appalachian Studies Program.
Patrick served an internship with the Byrd Center in 2020 and brings to the Byrd Center excellent experience in public history, with positions and internships with the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, the National Park Service's Interpretive Design Center, and the National Park Service's Museum Management Program.
A Baltimore native, Patrick moved to Shepherdstown in 2021.
Patrick served an internship with the Byrd Center in 2020 and brings to the Byrd Center excellent experience in public history, with positions and internships with the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, the National Park Service's Interpretive Design Center, and the National Park Service's Museum Management Program.
A Baltimore native, Patrick moved to Shepherdstown in 2021.
April 9, 2025
New Editorial by Dr. Ray Smock
Read Dr. Ray Smock’s commentary “Sailing (or Sinking) in Uncharted Waters” on the challenges to the Byrd Center in a time of lawless government.
January 26, 2025
Director Emeritus Smock Speaks about Panama Canal
Recently Director Emeritus Dr. Ray Smock spoke with Lyn Widmyer about Senator Robert Byrd's involvement with the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 ended US control of the canal and ensured its neutrality. Senator Byrd successfully navigated the treaty through the Senate. You can watch the interview here.
September 5, 2024
Plaque dedicated to U.S. Senator Joe Manchin unveiled at Byrd Center
President Mary Hendrix presents the plaque to Senator Joe Manchin
The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education welcomed guests on September 5 to dedicate a plaque acknowledging U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s service to Shepherd University.
Senator Manchin greeted members of the Shepherd community ahead of the ceremony where Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix spoke, thanking the Senator for always being available for Shepherd.
“One of the things I appreciate most about working with Senator Manchin is that no matter what was going on, I could pick up the phone or text, and he always responded and was willing to listen,” said President Hendrix.
Hendrix touted Senator Manchin’s career as a public servant for more than 40 years. She said he played an integral role in securing funding for the University during that time. “[That funding] has gone to projects like the development of the east campus and c and network architecture upgrades, to resources for students and businesses like our Agricultural Innovation Center,” she explained.
Manchin thanked Hendrix and the University for the honor and said he has worked closely with U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito to move West Virginia forward. “Shelly [Capito] and I work well together,” Manchin said. “When something is needed in our state, we’ll get our teams together and we’ll work together.”
The bronze plaque will be installed in the Byrd Center at a later date.
By Hans Fogle, Shepherd University Communications
Senator Manchin greeted members of the Shepherd community ahead of the ceremony where Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix spoke, thanking the Senator for always being available for Shepherd.
“One of the things I appreciate most about working with Senator Manchin is that no matter what was going on, I could pick up the phone or text, and he always responded and was willing to listen,” said President Hendrix.
Hendrix touted Senator Manchin’s career as a public servant for more than 40 years. She said he played an integral role in securing funding for the University during that time. “[That funding] has gone to projects like the development of the east campus and c and network architecture upgrades, to resources for students and businesses like our Agricultural Innovation Center,” she explained.
Manchin thanked Hendrix and the University for the honor and said he has worked closely with U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito to move West Virginia forward. “Shelly [Capito] and I work well together,” Manchin said. “When something is needed in our state, we’ll get our teams together and we’ll work together.”
The bronze plaque will be installed in the Byrd Center at a later date.
By Hans Fogle, Shepherd University Communications
May 17, 2024
Grant gives teachers money for classroom civics lessons
Five middle and high school teachers were awarded classroom grants after participating in a Benedum Foundation sponsored summer institute run by Shepherd University’s Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education and Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities.
The teachers were among 30 participants in a summer workshop in June 2023 called People Powered: Civic Action, Community Engagement, and American Representative Democracy. The goal was to encourage teachers to transform 10th-12th grade history, social studies, and civics classes, and AP American history classes, by utilizing the rich resources of the Byrd Archives.
Each teacher received a $1,000 stipend for attending the workshop to use for resources and materials. In April they made presentations showing how they utilized the money. The teacher making the most effective presentation was awarded a $5,000 prize for the school to enhance its social studies curriculum and/or to apply toward learning resources and educational initiatives. Judges were Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt, retired director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, and Dr. Jason Allen, assistant professor of education.
The $5,000 prize went to Harpers Ferry Middle School for eighth-grade West Virginia studies teacher Caitlin Barker’s project titled “Storer College: Researching Our Local History and the Byrd Archive.”
“Caitlin touched each of the evaluative points and gave her students an exceptional learning experience as well as utilizing the Byrd Center Archive first-hand,” wrote Shurbutt and Allen.
Runner-up prizes of $2,500 went to four other teachers.
Huntington High School 10th- and 11th-grade teacher Heather Fletcher developed a unit called “Our Roots Run Deep: A Small Town with a Big Story, Black Huntington.” Fletcher introduced the work of Black scholars Dr. Bill Turner and Dr. Cicero Fain to her students as they explored the enriching environment of Huntington for African Americans in the early 20th century.
Alicen Galanis, who teaches world history and geography at Spring Mills High School, developed an interdisciplinary teaching unit called “Discovering the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God.’”
Ned MacFadden, a seventh-grade media teacher at Eastern Middle School’s Humanities and Communications Magnet Program in Montgomery County, Maryland, introduced his students to a lesson called “West Virginia and Maryland: Shared Problems, Shared Solutions.”
Ashley Malott, a ninth-grade advanced placement and honors world history teacher at Washington High School in Jefferson County, West Virginia, developed a lesson called “Data-Based Questions (DBQ) for AP History Students and the Robert Byrd Center.”
The People Powered project was made possible by a $136,250 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
by Cecelia Mason, Shepherd University Communications
The teachers were among 30 participants in a summer workshop in June 2023 called People Powered: Civic Action, Community Engagement, and American Representative Democracy. The goal was to encourage teachers to transform 10th-12th grade history, social studies, and civics classes, and AP American history classes, by utilizing the rich resources of the Byrd Archives.
Each teacher received a $1,000 stipend for attending the workshop to use for resources and materials. In April they made presentations showing how they utilized the money. The teacher making the most effective presentation was awarded a $5,000 prize for the school to enhance its social studies curriculum and/or to apply toward learning resources and educational initiatives. Judges were Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt, retired director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, and Dr. Jason Allen, assistant professor of education.
The $5,000 prize went to Harpers Ferry Middle School for eighth-grade West Virginia studies teacher Caitlin Barker’s project titled “Storer College: Researching Our Local History and the Byrd Archive.”
“Caitlin touched each of the evaluative points and gave her students an exceptional learning experience as well as utilizing the Byrd Center Archive first-hand,” wrote Shurbutt and Allen.
Runner-up prizes of $2,500 went to four other teachers.
Huntington High School 10th- and 11th-grade teacher Heather Fletcher developed a unit called “Our Roots Run Deep: A Small Town with a Big Story, Black Huntington.” Fletcher introduced the work of Black scholars Dr. Bill Turner and Dr. Cicero Fain to her students as they explored the enriching environment of Huntington for African Americans in the early 20th century.
Alicen Galanis, who teaches world history and geography at Spring Mills High School, developed an interdisciplinary teaching unit called “Discovering the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God.’”
Ned MacFadden, a seventh-grade media teacher at Eastern Middle School’s Humanities and Communications Magnet Program in Montgomery County, Maryland, introduced his students to a lesson called “West Virginia and Maryland: Shared Problems, Shared Solutions.”
Ashley Malott, a ninth-grade advanced placement and honors world history teacher at Washington High School in Jefferson County, West Virginia, developed a lesson called “Data-Based Questions (DBQ) for AP History Students and the Robert Byrd Center.”
The People Powered project was made possible by a $136,250 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
by Cecelia Mason, Shepherd University Communications
April 17, 2024
Capstone presentations for Benedum Foundation Social Studies Project
People Powered: Civic Action, Community Engagement, and American Representative Democracy
The year-long Benedum Foundation Grant, sponsored by the Robert Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (in partnership with the Stubblefield Institute and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities at Shepherd University), will come to conclusion on Saturday, April 20, at 9:00 a.m. The project goal was to infuse Social Studies classrooms with experiential learning exploring the dynamics of democratic principles and the archival richness of the Robert Byrd Center.
Social Studies teachers across the state are competing in this capstone experience for Benedum "People Powered" prizes, ranging from $5000 to $2500, funds that will go directly to programs at their schools for enhancing the teaching of social studies.
The year-long Benedum Foundation Grant, sponsored by the Robert Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (in partnership with the Stubblefield Institute and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities at Shepherd University), will come to conclusion on Saturday, April 20, at 9:00 a.m. The project goal was to infuse Social Studies classrooms with experiential learning exploring the dynamics of democratic principles and the archival richness of the Robert Byrd Center.
Social Studies teachers across the state are competing in this capstone experience for Benedum "People Powered" prizes, ranging from $5000 to $2500, funds that will go directly to programs at their schools for enhancing the teaching of social studies.
March 25, 2024
Byrd CHE to receive Congressionally Directed Spending Award
The Byrd CHE is thrilled to announce it will receive a Congressionally Directed Spending Award. We are profoundly grateful to Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin for their support of our project. This special funding allows the advancement of the critical missions of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education. The award of $250,000 from the National Archives and Records Administration will support the digitization of paper and photographic records. The proposal was created by Director Emeritus and Resident Scholar Dr. Ray Smock; Project Director Dr. Jim Broomall, Byrd Center Director.
December 15, 2023
Ray Smock Book Mentioned in Wall Street Journal List
A 2009 book written by Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education Interim Director Ray Smock is listed in the December 6, 2023, issue of The Wall Street Journal Books and Arts section as one of the five best books on Gilded Age politics. Writer C.W. Goodyear, author of “President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier,” lists Smock’s biography about Booker T. Washington, saying “Smock succeeds where Washington’s previous biographers fell short: distilling the life while losing none of its scale, and deftly untangling Washington’s legacy of appeasement toward whites. Mr. Smock does not dismiss the criticism of Washington, nor does he fault Washington’s attempt to bridge racial divides.”
December 12, 2023
Biographer of Senator Byrd donates funds for Shepherd interns
Anna Steig, an English major from Hagerstown, Maryland, digitizes documents in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education.
Author and historian C.W. Goodyear is conducting research for a biography of Sen. Robert C. Byrd at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education at Shepherd University. Goodyear, author of “Garfield: From Radical to Unifier,” a critically acclaimed biography of the 20th President of the United States, has also donated to the center to facilitate work on Byrd’s biography.
“I’m excited that my next book will be an authoritative biography of Sen. Byrd,” Goodyear said. “He is the ideal subject: someone whose remarkable political career both shaped the trajectory of our country as well as reflected its transformation over a crucial period of history. I am blessed to be partnered in this effort with the Byrd Center—a place where a world-class collection is matched by the professionalism, diligence, and kindness of its staff.”
To facilitate the research, Goodyear donated approximately $12,000 to cover stipends for two Shepherd students to digitize some of Byrd’s papers. The donation also covered the cost of new digitization equipment.
Interns Joanna Schoonover, a history major from Preston, Maryland, and Anna Steig, an English major from Hagerstown, Maryland, are digitizing the papers. Their work will benefit Goodyear’s research and help with the center’s desire to make Byrd’s papers more widely available.
“There are numerous beneficiaries to Charlie’s generous donation,” said Tish Wiggs, Byrd Center archivist. “He is receiving invaluable help with his future project; the Byrd Center is getting time and funding to begin a mass digitization project; and Shepherd students are learning valuable technical skills working with a major congressional archive. We are grateful for Charlie’s trust in us and look forward to our continued partnership.”
“We are honored and delighted that Charlie Goodyear will be writing a biography of Sen. Byrd using our resources as the foundation of his work,” said Ray Smock, Byrd Center interim director. “He has established himself as a major biographer, and Sen. Byrd’s story is a rich and complex one that needs to be told.”
The first leg of the project will run through the end of the spring 2024 semester, with the possibility of renewal.
“I’m excited that my next book will be an authoritative biography of Sen. Byrd,” Goodyear said. “He is the ideal subject: someone whose remarkable political career both shaped the trajectory of our country as well as reflected its transformation over a crucial period of history. I am blessed to be partnered in this effort with the Byrd Center—a place where a world-class collection is matched by the professionalism, diligence, and kindness of its staff.”
To facilitate the research, Goodyear donated approximately $12,000 to cover stipends for two Shepherd students to digitize some of Byrd’s papers. The donation also covered the cost of new digitization equipment.
Interns Joanna Schoonover, a history major from Preston, Maryland, and Anna Steig, an English major from Hagerstown, Maryland, are digitizing the papers. Their work will benefit Goodyear’s research and help with the center’s desire to make Byrd’s papers more widely available.
“There are numerous beneficiaries to Charlie’s generous donation,” said Tish Wiggs, Byrd Center archivist. “He is receiving invaluable help with his future project; the Byrd Center is getting time and funding to begin a mass digitization project; and Shepherd students are learning valuable technical skills working with a major congressional archive. We are grateful for Charlie’s trust in us and look forward to our continued partnership.”
“We are honored and delighted that Charlie Goodyear will be writing a biography of Sen. Byrd using our resources as the foundation of his work,” said Ray Smock, Byrd Center interim director. “He has established himself as a major biographer, and Sen. Byrd’s story is a rich and complex one that needs to be told.”
The first leg of the project will run through the end of the spring 2024 semester, with the possibility of renewal.
Pictured during the signing of an agreement to donate scanners and internship stipends to the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education are (l. to r.) Tish Wiggs, C.W. Goodyear, and Ray Smock
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Author C.W. Goodyear and intern Joanna Schoonover, a history major from Preston, Maryland
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November 8, 2023
Author C.W. Goodyear offers talk about President Garfield biography
Acclaimed biographer of President James Garfield, C. W. Goodyear, offered a talk and signed books at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium on Wednesday, November 8, at 7 p.m. This event was co-sponsored by the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War and Shepherd’s Lifelong Learning Program.
In this outstanding biography, President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier, Goodyear charts the life and times of one of the most remarkable Americans ever to win the presidency, James Garfield. Over nearly two decades in Congress during a polarized era—Reconstruction and the Gilded Age—Garfield served as a peacemaker in a Republican Party and America defined by divisions. He was elected president to overcome them. He was killed while trying to do so.
C.W. Goodyear was born in Louisiana. He moved between Australia and the United Kingdom while growing up, before returning to the U.S. to attend Yale University. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
In this outstanding biography, President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier, Goodyear charts the life and times of one of the most remarkable Americans ever to win the presidency, James Garfield. Over nearly two decades in Congress during a polarized era—Reconstruction and the Gilded Age—Garfield served as a peacemaker in a Republican Party and America defined by divisions. He was elected president to overcome them. He was killed while trying to do so.
C.W. Goodyear was born in Louisiana. He moved between Australia and the United Kingdom while growing up, before returning to the U.S. to attend Yale University. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
Biographer C.W. Goodyear
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The Byrd Center advances representative democracy by promoting a better understanding of the United States Congress and the Constitution through programs and research that engage citizens.
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