Ingersoll Day – Aug. 11, 2026

Expected Ingersoll Day Deals

While Ingersoll Day doesn’t typically feature commercial deals, it’s an opportune time for organizations and institutions to promote intellectual engagement. Look for special events at local libraries and community centers focusing on civic discourse and critical thinking. Bookstores like Barnes & Noble or independent shops might highlight biographies of Ingersoll or works on freethought. Online platforms such as Project Gutenberg offer free access to many of Ingersoll’s speeches and writings. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational resources as August 11 approaches.

History of Ingersoll Day

Robert G. Ingersoll was born in Dresden, New York, to a preacher and abolitionist father; not much is known about his mother, except that she passed away when Ingersoll was young. His father’s views meant the family was forced to move frequently. Ingersoll grew up without much in the way of formal education, but he was still admitted to the Illinois bar in 1854. He later moved to Peoria, Illinois, and opened up a law concern with his brother. By all accounts, this venture was successful. He met and married Eva Parker, and they had two daughters. He even fought in the American Civil War (1861 – 1865), becoming commander of the 11th Illinois Cavalry.

The late 1860s saw Ingersoll join in politics himself; he held the position of the attorney general of Illinois, but only once. Back then, the ideology of Democrats and Republicans were switched at this time, so, although Robert was a Democrat early on in life, he later became a Republican because of his opposition to slavery.

His influence as an orator was recognized when he gave the nominating speech for fellow Republican candidate James G. Blaine. While the nomination went to another party member, this speech gained loads of prominence.

Upon moving to Washington D.C., he opened up another law practice which was again, very successful. He also began working on the lecture circuit, giving lectures on freethought, reason, and liberty for almost a quarter of a century. His most famous lectures were “Why I am an Agnostic,” “Some Mistakes of Moses,” and “Individuality.” He would gain a lot of prominence — and criticism, for his stance on religion, slavery, and the right of women to vote. He denounced religious speakers, yet counted many as friends too; he was openly friendly to people of opposing parties with the same progressive views as him and was even friends with American journalist H.L. Mencken and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leader of the women’s rights movement. He was labelled the ‘Great Agnostic,’ and he was one of the most noteworthy freethinkers and lecturers of the 19th century.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Ingersoll Day