All lectures include a Q&A session and have a companion PowerPoint presentation.
All lectures can be presented remotely via zoom or another virtual platform.
Here I have Lived: A virtual Tour thorough Lincoln’s life & the places he lived.
“Here I Have Lived: A Virtual Tour Through Lincoln’s Life & the Places He Lived” offers an immersive exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s life through the significant locations he called home. From his humble beginnings in a log cabin in Kentucky to his time in Illinois and his years in the White House, the lecture takes audiences on a virtual journey through these historically important sites. It highlights key events and personal milestones at each location, providing a rich, geographical context to Lincoln’s remarkable life story and his enduring legacy.
She Could Make a Bishop Forget His Prayers: The Life of Mary Lincoln
“She Could Make a Bishop Forget His Prayers: The Life of Mary Lincoln” provides an in-depth look into the complex and multifaceted life of Mary Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. It explores her upbringing, education, and the social and political environment that shaped her. The lecture examines her marriage to Abraham, her role as First Lady, and the controversies and personal tragedies she endured. Through a detailed narrative, the lecture paints a vivid portrait of Mary Lincoln’s strength, resilience, and influence, while also addressing her struggles with mental health and public perception.
The Lincoln Family after 1865
“The Lincoln Family After 1865” explores the lives of the Lincoln family members following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. It examines how Mary Lincoln and her surviving children, Robert and Thomas (Tad), coped with their immense loss and the challenges they faced in the post-war period. The lecture delves into Mary’s struggles with grief and mental health, Robert’s career and public life, and Tad’s early death. By providing a detailed look at their personal and public lives after 1865, the lecture offers a comprehensive understanding of how the Lincoln family navigated their changed world and legacy.
Losing the Light: The night Mary Lost Abraham
“Losing the Light: The Night Mary Lincoln Lost Abraham” poignantly examines the tragic evening of April 14, 1865, when First Lady Mary Lincoln witnessed the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, at Ford’s Theatre. It delves into the profound personal loss and emotional devastation Mary experienced that night, exploring her immediate reactions, and the reaction of the nation. The lecture provides a deeply personal perspective on this historical event, shedding light on Mary’s grief and the enduring legacy of her loss.
Who were the Lincoln Children?
“Who Were the Lincoln Children” delves into the lives of Abraham Lincoln’s four children: Robert Todd, Edward Baker, William Wallace (Willie), and Thomas (Tad). It explores their individual personalities, childhood experiences, and the impact of their father’s presidency on their lives. The lecture also examines the familial dynamics within the Lincoln household, highlighting both the joys and challenges faced by the children during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
Abraham and Mary Lincoln in Popular Media
“Abraham and Mary Lincoln in Popular Media” explores the portrayal of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln in various forms of popular media, including film and television. It examines how their lives and legacies have been interpreted and reimagined over time, highlighting key works and notable performances. The lecture also discusses the impact of these portrayals on public perception and historical memory, offering insights into how media has shaped and reshaped the enduring image of the Lincolns in American culture.
“To Think that My Son Could do this to Me!” Was Mary Lincoln Insane?
This is the audience’s question any time Valerie performs or speaks about Mrs. Lincoln. In this lecture and PowerPoint, Valerie explains what has become known as the “insanity episode .”Who decided that Mary should be declared insane? What did her family think? Was she insane, or was she a misdiagnosed and overmedicated victim? Hear the case facts and make your own decisions about this much-maligned first lady.
Divided: Mary Lincoln and Her Rebel Half-Sister Emilie Todd Helm
“Divided: Mary Lincoln and Her Rebel Half-Sister Emilie Todd Helm” delves into the complex and poignant relationship between Mary Lincoln, the First Lady of the Union, and her half-sister Emilie Todd Helm, who was married to a Confederate general. It explores their contrasting loyalties during the Civil War, the personal and familial tensions that arose, and the broader implications of their divided allegiances. Through letters, historical accounts, and personal anecdotes, the lecture provides a nuanced look at how the Civil War fractured even the closest of familial bonds and the enduring impact on both women’s lives
A Nation Mourns: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln
In April 1865, the shocking assassination of President Abraham Lincoln plunged the nation into grief. This one-hour program traces the remarkable journey of Lincoln’s funeral—from the solemn ceremonies in Washington, D.C., to the long funeral train that carried him home to Springfield, Illinois. Along the way, millions of Americans gathered to pay their respects, leaving behind powerful stories, images, and artifacts that reveal how deeply the nation mourned its fallen leader. Through vivid accounts and rare details, this program brings to life the pageantry, emotion, and lasting impact of Lincoln’s final journey.
Ann Rutledge: Abraham Lincoln’s First Love?
Long before he became the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln formed a close bond with a young woman in New Salem, Illinois—Ann Rutledge. But was she truly his first love, or has her story been shaped by legend and memory? This one-hour program explores the life of Ann Rutledge, her relationship with Lincoln, and the myths and mysteries that grew after her untimely death. Drawing on contemporary accounts and historical debates, the program invites audiences to consider how personal stories influence our understanding of history and the man who would one day lead a nation.
Historically Speaking 