Dr. Larry Cook and Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words
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Tuesday, September 22, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library presents nationally recognized presidential historian, award winning author and political commentator Dr. Larry Cook for an evening presentation on his new book, “Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words."
Francis B. Carpenter (1830-1900) was a distinguished portrait painter whose work provides an invaluable visual record of nineteenth-century America. He was born in rural Homer, New York in 1830 and rose to prominence as one of the leading portraitists of his time. During his career he painted presidents, cabinet members, legislators, military leaders, and numerous other notable figures of the era including our own Sam Houston.
His most celebrated work, First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln, remains one of the most iconic artistic representations of the American Civil War and is displayed in the United States Capitol.
Carpenter left an extensive diary that chronicled his professional activities and his encounters with many of the political and cultural leaders of his time. Brushes with History presents Carpenter’s entire diary as well as a biographical profile that places his experiences within the contest of the broad currents of nineteenth-century American History.
You can learn more about our presenter here: https://larrycookhistorian.com/#about
This is a free event and is made possible through a partnership with Lone Star College and Cory Colby, professor of Government, and the SHSU College of Education Project 250.
For more information contact the museum at 936.294.1832 or email [email protected].
6:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library presents nationally recognized presidential historian, award winning author and political commentator Dr. Larry Cook for an evening presentation on his new book, “Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words."
Francis B. Carpenter (1830-1900) was a distinguished portrait painter whose work provides an invaluable visual record of nineteenth-century America. He was born in rural Homer, New York in 1830 and rose to prominence as one of the leading portraitists of his time. During his career he painted presidents, cabinet members, legislators, military leaders, and numerous other notable figures of the era including our own Sam Houston.
His most celebrated work, First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln, remains one of the most iconic artistic representations of the American Civil War and is displayed in the United States Capitol.
Carpenter left an extensive diary that chronicled his professional activities and his encounters with many of the political and cultural leaders of his time. Brushes with History presents Carpenter’s entire diary as well as a biographical profile that places his experiences within the contest of the broad currents of nineteenth-century American History.
You can learn more about our presenter here: https://larrycookhistorian.com/#about
This is a free event and is made possible through a partnership with Lone Star College and Cory Colby, professor of Government, and the SHSU College of Education Project 250.
For more information contact the museum at 936.294.1832 or email [email protected].
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Where is it happening?
1402 19th Street, Huntsville, Texas 77340, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library
