Mrs. Lincoln: The First First Lady

Guest Speaker Mary Todd Lincoln to Enlighten and Educate

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Librarian Laura Keyes will share Mary’s story at two programs on June 25 at RCHS Carriage House. The two performances include one geared toward children at 10 a.m., and another for adults at 2 p.m.

Entitled “Mrs. Lincoln: The First First Lady,” the program focuses on the life and losses of Mrs. Lincoln, set on April 14, 1865, as she prepares for an evening at the theatre with her husband and friends. It depicts an important time in our nation’s history from a point of view that is not often explored. Attendees will learn how Mary Lincoln influenced monumental events in her lifetime and why her story is still relevant today.

Ticket information

For the 10 a.m. children’s performance, families are invited to purchase a combination ticket that includes a children’s craft tent with Lincoln- and civil war-themed activities and a tour of the Lincoln-Tallman House.

Ticket prices for this combination ticket are:

• $15 for children (ages 6-16);
• $25 for adults; and
• $50 for a family four-pack.

Or, purchase a ticket for the performance only for:

• $10 for children (6-16);
• $15 for adults; and
• $35 for a family four-pack.

The 2 p.m. performance (geared towards adults) also includes two options:

• $25 per person for a tour of the Lincoln-Tallman House and the Mary Todd Lincoln performance; or,
• a ticket for the performance only, which is $15.

Tours of the Lincoln-Tallman House run between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tours begin at the top of the hour with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.

To purchase tickets in advance, or for questions, call RCHS at 608-756-4509. Tickets will also be available the day of the event.

About Laura Keyes

Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and is Director of the Dunlap Public Library in Dunlap, IL. Laura is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and recently won the Mary Todd Lincoln Oratory Contest at the Lincoln Days celebration in Hodgenville, KY.

Photo Credit: Andreoli