Theodore Roosevelt Association 2026 Book Prize Luncheon Celebrates Author Dr. Andrew Porwancher and American Maccabee: Theodore Roosevelt and the Jews at The Explorers Club
April 15, 2026
New York, NY — On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Theodore Roosevelt Association gathered members and guests at The Explorers Club in New York City to celebrate the 2025 TRA Book Prize honoree, American Maccabee: Theodore Roosevelt and the Jews by Dr. Andrew Porwancher (Princeton University Press, 2025).
Established in 2016, the Theodore Roosevelt Association Book Prize recognizes exceptional scholarship and is awarded annually to the most distinguished published book on Theodore Roosevelt.
Dr. Andrew Porwancher, a Professor of History at Arizona State University, is also the author of The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton, which won the Journal of the American Revolution Book-of-the-Year Award.
After opening remarks from TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino, TRA President and Chair Gregory Wynn presented Dr. Porwancher with a bust of Theodore Roosevelt, a certificate, and a $1,000 cash prize.
“Seldom do we have the gift of a Theodore Roosevelt book that covers completely new ground. Andrew’s book does,” said Gregory Wynn. “This is a book that needed to be written: a fresh look at TR, through a unique historical lens, with relevance to our contemporary lives. It is a work of history that deftly articulates historical nuance because, reflecting our human experience, things are not always black and white.”
Guests then enjoyed a delightful lunch before settling in for the highlight of the day: an engaging conversation between TRA Public Historian Dr. Michael Cullinane and Dr. Porwancher. Their discussion explored Roosevelt’s deep connections with the American Jewish community, the historical context of his advocacy for religious tolerance, and the lasting importance of his relationships with Jewish leaders at the turn of the twentieth century. Dr. Porwancher’s research, praised for its originality and meticulous scholarship, sheds new light on Roosevelt’s commitment to inclusion and fairness - core tenets of his broader vision of American democracy.
Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to meet Dr. Porwancher during a book signing and speak informally about his work. The afternoon concluded with a special behind-the-scenes tour of The Explorers Club, where attendees viewed rare artifacts and memorabilia connected to Theodore Roosevelt’s storied life of adventure, discovery, and public service.
The TRA extends its gratitude to the Book Prize Selection Committee, The Explorers Club, Princeton University Press, Leonard Levie, Janet Walsh, and Gary Clinton for his generous contribution towards the cash prize.