Dinner With Hamilton
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute presented Pulitzer Prize-winning author and National Humanities Medal recipient Ron Chernow at its annual History Dinner, this year themed Dinner With Hamilton–The Man and the Musical. Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton was the inspiration for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton, the biggest Broadway hit of the past 50 years. The author shared insights into the founding father as well as the memorable experience of working with Miranda. At one point, he delighted the audience with a short rendition of one of the songs from the musical.
The 800 guests at the Nov. 9 at the Phoenician enjoyed a dinner menu based on what Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth (nee Schuyler), might have served around their dinner table. The three-course meal included Schuyler Split Pea Soup, Colonial Roast Beef and Warm Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. SRP and White House Design studio transformed the ballroom into colonial Philadelphia for the occasion.
Following dinner and the presentation, Chernow was joined on stage by Senator Jon Kyl for a fireside chat.
Jacquie Dorrance, Penny Gunning, Erin Gogolak and Carrie Hulburd co-chaired the event. Matthew Feeney, O’Connor Institute Board chairman, served as the evening’s emcee. Funds raised support the mission of the O’Connor Institute to continue the legacy of retired Supreme Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and her lifetime work to advance civil discourse, civic engagement and civics education.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN GODDARD