Few events in U.S. history remain as chilling—and yet beguiling—as the assassinations of presidents Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy. These acts of murder stunned the nation and spawned singular tales of mystery and conspiracy. And each has left nagging, unanswered questions. Tonight, Ralph Nurnberger, a professor of international relations at Georgetown University explores the stories and the historical impact behind these assassinations.

APRIL 20  Abraham Lincoln (1861-65)

The original plot was to kidnap President Lincoln. Then John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators changed their plans to murder him, Secretary of State William Seward, and Vice President Andrew Johnson. A look at the facts of the crime and the validity—if any--of conspiracy theories that followed. How did Lincoln’s death alter the course of our history.

APRIL 27  James Garfield (1881)

President Garfield had hoped to challenge pockets of corruption in the political establishment and enact civil service reform. But after serving as president for only 200 days, he was shot by the deranged Charles Guiteau. Garfield lingered for almost three months and questions linger about his medical treatment as well as the impact his death had on the country.

MAY 4  William McKinley (1897-1901)

During President McKinley’s remarkable first term in office, America became a world power after its victory in the Spanish-American War in 1898. A look at how his assassination by anarchist Leon Czolgosz affected the nation’s new status.

MAY 11  John F. Kennedy (1961-63)

Of all the presidents, Kennedy’s death at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald has attracted the most conspiracy theories. An analysis of the Warren Commission report and other investigations still hasn’t provided the answers that will satisfy everyone about who was behind the assassination that day in Dallas. The American people’s fascination with the Kennedy myth seems to grow with each passing year.

4 sessions