Join us for a presentation with Lois Romano about her new biography of Mary Todd Lincoln. The former Washington Post writer drew from years of research to portray Mary as a complex, consequential woman whose life deserves far more nuance and respect than history has afforded her.
In conversation with MTL House executive director Gwen Thompson, Romano will examine how Mary’s story was shaped largely by men whose accounts reduced her to a caricature – erratic, extravagant, unstable – while overlooking the context of her grief, intelligence, and resilience. The discussion will also highlight the first lady’s overlooked contributions to the nation. A politically astute partner to Abraham Lincoln, she was deeply engaged in the issues of her time. She advocated for Civil War soldiers and endured personal sacrifices amid national crisis. She also successfully secured a federal pension after Lincoln’s death – helping ensure that future first ladies would be afforded similar support.
This program will take place online via Zoom. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants with their registration confirmation.