America’s 250: Independence Won – And Almost Lost – Rick Klinedinst
Elkhart Illinois Historical Society Announces Dinner Lecture “America 250: Independence Won—And Almost Lost”
The Elkhart Illinois Historical Society will present a dinner lecture titled “America 250: Independence Won—And Almost Lost” on April 17 at 206 S. Gillett St., Elkhart, Illinois. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture. The cost is $50 per person, and reservations are required. Main dish will be cranberry BBQ chicken breasts or herbed pork loin with gravy. Full menu and more information can be found at our website https://www.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the lecture looks beyond the triumph of 1776 to examine the fragile years that followed—when independence had been secured, but the survival of the republic remained in doubt. Framed by Benjamin Franklin’s warning, “A republic, if you can keep it,” the presentation brings to life the financial collapse, political instability, military unrest, and global skepticism that pushed the young nation to the brink. Rather than a moment of certainty, America’s founding is presented as a narrow test of resolve that endured only because it was deliberately preserved.
About the Speaker
The program will be presented by Rick Klinedinst, President and CEO of MidAmerica National Bank. Klinedinst’s banking career spans 48 years, including the past 16 years in his current role. He holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Western Illinois University and a professional diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Beyond his professional career, Klinedinst is a dedicated local historian and Lincoln enthusiast. He is co‑author of Camp Ellis – Once a City Not Forgotten, which documents the history of one of the nation’s largest World War II medical training and prisoner‑of‑war camps. His article “Banking on Victory: How Abraham Lincoln Funded the Civil War” has been featured in North & South magazine, and he regularly presents lectures on Abraham Lincoln throughout Central Illinois.
Reservations must be made by April 10 by calling (217) ‑947‑2238. Please leave your name, phone number, and the number in your party. You will be called back to confirm your reservation. Once confirmed, checks should be mailed within 5 business days to The Elkhart Historical Society at P.O. Box 255, Elkhart, IL, 63634, or dropped off at the Country Bumpkin Shop at 103 Gov. Oglesby St., Elkhart, IL Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m-3 p.m
