• Accessibility Tools
  • Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
March 19, 2013 Press Releases

Robert G. Ingersoll Oratory Contest Returns to Washington June 30, 2013

Facebook Twitter Email Share
March 19, 2013 Press Releases

Judges to include best-selling author Susan Jacoby

For Immediate Release

Contact: Steve Lowe, 202-657-6346, ingersoll@wash.org
(Washington D.C. March 19, 2013)—Organizers of an oratory contest to honor Robert G. Ingersoll, a famous 19th century speaker known as “The Great Agnostic,” have announced the return of the outdoor event to Dupont Circle and are seeking up to 15 people to compete. 

Susan JacobyThis year’s panel of judges will include award-winning writer Susan Jacoby, author of The Great Agnostic: Robert Ingersoll and American Freethought, released earlier this year. 

Contestants will deliver a brief excerpt from Ingersoll’s works. Cash prizes will be given for the top four orators: First place, $250; second place, $150; third place, $100; fourth place, $50.Contestants should sign up through the contest website, where they can also find more information and links to Ingersoll’s speeches. 

The deadline to sign up is June 15, 2013, with participants chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. An alternate waiting list will also be maintained.

“Despite being one of our country’s most influential historical figures, Robert Ingersoll has become largely forgotten,” said Steve Lowe, the event’s founder. “This contest is meant to help revive his message and his popularity.”

Robert G. Ingersoll was an outspoken critic of religion, as well as an advocate for racial equality, birth control, women’s rights, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Shakespeare, free speech and voting rights for Washington, DC, where he moved with his family in 1878, residing here for seven years. Besides being a speaker who delivered over 1,200 public speeches to packed houses all over the country, he was a successful lawyer and Civil War veteran. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 
The contest is sponsored by the Washington Area Secular Humanists, The Center for Inquiry-DC, the American Humanist Association and the Robert Green Ingersoll Birthplace Museum, a project of the Council for Secular Humanism. 

Susan Jacoby will sign copies of The Great Agnostic following the contest. 

Photos and videos of the two previous contests can be found on the contest website.

In case of rain, the contest will be held nearby at James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant & Bar at One Dupont Circle, NW, near the southern entrance to the Dupont Circle subway station.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

New Online Course for Humanist Families and Communities

Emily Newman

The Comics Section: March of the Penguins

The Comics Section: March of the Penguins

What Would a Humanist Do? Backseat Humanist Etiquette

TheHumanist.com Staff

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Isabella Russian

Journeys to Humanism: The Joy of Rejoining the Human Race

Scott Stahlecker
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2023 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency