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An Afternoon with New York Times Bestselling Author Candice Millard ’89

Sunday, February 22 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Baker Alumni invites you to attend a speaker series brought to you by Baker Alumni and New York Times bestselling books author, Candice Millard.

Meet the master storyteller bringing history to Netflix.

Join Candice Millard ’89, New York Times bestselling author and one of America’s most acclaimed narrative historians, for an unforgettable afternoon exploring the true story behind Netflix’s historical drama Death by Lightning—based on her award-winning book Destiny of the Republic.

Sunday, February 22
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Rice Auditorium, Baker University – Get Directions

Watch the livestream

From Bestseller to Netflix Series

Candice Millard’s Destiny of the Republic—a riveting account of President James A. Garfield’s rise, assassination, and the shocking medical failures that followed—has captivated readers for over a decade. Now, its story is reaching a global audience as the inspiration for Netflix’s highly anticipated series Death by Lightning.

At this special event, Millard will take audiences behind the book and beyond the screen, revealing:

  • The real historical drama that inspired Death by Lightning
  • How she uncovers forgotten stories and brings historical figures vividly to life
  • What it means to see her work adapted for television

This is a rare chance to hear directly from the author at the center of one of today’s most exciting history-to-screen adaptations.

What You’ll Experience

  • A featured talk on President James A. Garfield and the story behind Destiny of the Republic
  • An on-stage interview exploring Millard’s research, writing process, and career
  • Discussion of Death by Lightning and adapting history for modern audiences
  • Audience Q&A
  • A post-event opportunity to meet the author and take photos

Whether you love history, books, or prestige television, this event brings it all together.

About the Author – Candice Millard ’89

New York Times Bestselling Author

Candice Millard is a nationally recognized historian and author of four New York Times bestselling books. Her work is celebrated for combining meticulous research with page-turning storytelling, earning comparisons to The Devil in the White City and The Professor and the Madman.

Her books include:

    • River of the Gods (2022)
      Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile
      A sweeping tale of obsession, rivalry, and exploration that reexamines the search for the Nile’s headwaters and the crucial role of Sidi Mubarak Bombay.
    • Hero of the Empire
      The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill
      An Indie Next Pick, a New York Times Top Ten Critics’ Pick, and Amazon’s #1 History Book of 2016.
    • Destiny of the Republic
      A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President
      Winner of the Edgar Award, PEN Center USA Award for Research Nonfiction, and multiple national honors. The inspiration for Netflix’s Death by Lightning.
    • The River of Doubt
      Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey
      A landmark work of narrative history chronicling Roosevelt’s perilous Amazon expedition.

Millard is the recipient of the 2017 BIO Award, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, The Guardian, National Geographic, and Time. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children.

A Nationally Celebrated Voice

Candice Millard has spoken at some of the nation’s most prestigious venues, including:

          • The Library of Congress National Book Festival Gala
          • The James A. Garfield National Historic Site, the first presidential library
          • Major literary festivals and universities across the country

Her work continues to shape how Americans understand history—both on the page and on screen.

Event Schedule

At this special event, Millard will take audiences behind the book and beyond the screen, revealing:

  • 3:00 p.m. Welcome
  • Featured Talk: The true story behind Destiny of the Republic
  • Interview: Writing history, research, and Netflix’s Death by Lightning
  • Audience Q&A
  • 4:30 p.m. Event concludes

Location & Accessibility

Rice Auditorium

Baker University
404 Eighth St, Baldwin City, KS 66006

Parking available.
Accessibility accommodations available upon request.

Don’t Miss This Event

From bestselling books to Netflix drama
One of America’s greatest narrative historians
A rare opportunity to hear directly from the author

Seats are limited.

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