Department of Tourism
Frazier Museum to Feature Dramas, Lectures on Lincoln

Editor's Note: This is the ninth in a series of monthly news releases leading up to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Frazier International History Museum has scheduled a full slate of lectures and presentations related to Abraham Lincoln as the bicentennial celebration of Lincoln’s birth nears its debut next February 11-12 in Louisville and Hodgenville, Ky.

The “Living History Series” will feature three evening performances of historical reenactments with Lincoln themes at the Louisville museum. On Nov. 14, Lincoln will come to life as portrayed by Jim Getty, a renowned Lincoln presenter. This program will feature the 16th U.S. president recounting homespun stories of his youth, recollections of his personal and political life and his anguish over the fierce Battle of Gettysburg.

Then, on Feb. 12, 2008, influential African American abolitionist and Lincoln advisor Frederick Douglass will take the stage as portrayed by Michael Crutcher. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to freedom and became the most influential proponent of abolition in the 19th century and a close friend of Lincoln.

On April 3, 2008, the tragic events of April 14, 1865 unfold as Tamara Johnson portrays Laura Keene, one of the brightest comediennes of 19th century American theater. It was Keene’s heralded performance in a hilarious new play, Our American Cousin, that prompted Mary Todd Lincoln to change plans and attend with the president the final performance of the play at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. That was the fateful night of Lincoln’s assassination. 

Tickets for these programs, which begin at 7 p.m., are $10 for members, $12 for non-members and $5 for students. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meanwhile, the Frazier Museum, with sponsorship from the Staples office supply chain, will also feature seven free monthly lunchtime lectures related to Lincoln. The lectures, which will last 45 minutes to an hour, will be held the third Thursday of each month through May 2008.

On Nov. 15, the “Bite of History” series begins with Dr. Darrell Bigham, chairman of the national Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, discussing preparations for the celebration. The Kentucky events set for 2008-2010 are expected to attract several hundred thousand visitors to the state where Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809.

On Dec. 20, Dr. Mark Summers will present a fascinating look at Lincoln’s portrayal in political cartoons of his era, which attempted to sway public opinion both for and against slavery and the two sides in the Civil War.

On Jan. 17, 2008, Kathy Nichols examines Lincoln’s visit to Farmington in Louisville, including his relationship with members of the city’s prominent Speed family, and an analysis of the famous “Bread and Butter” letter to Mary Lincoln.

On Feb. 21, Bryan Bush of the University of Louisville will explore the friendship between Lincoln and James and Joshua Speed, both of whom helped keep Kentucky in the Union during the Civil War.

At a March 20 session, Dr. Tom Owen will examine the Great Emancipator’s rhetorical skills that gave him a transcendent quality in the midst of a terrible crisis for the nation.

Jacob Lee will talk on April 17 about how emancipation impacted Kentucky’s support for Lincoln and the Union war effort.

Dr. Thomas Mackey will speak May 15 on the evolution of thinking of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass on relations between African Americans and whites.

All Bite of History programs are free and begin at noon. Guests are invited to bring their lunch. Beverages and light snacks will be available free of charge. 

The Frazier International History Museum is located at 829 W. Main St. in Louisville. For more information about the museum’s Lincoln events, call 502-753-5663 or visit www.fraziermuseum.org.

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy