President Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln as Story-Teller

President Abraham Lincoln shares about our nation’s history and his own personal history by way of some of his favorite stories and jokes. Mr. Lincoln sometimes told these simply to entertain, but more often than not, when he would begin “That reminds me of a little story…”, there were other reasons, too. He might wish to illustrate a point, to relieve tension, or to distract from the difficulties and hard realities of life, especially in the midst of the Civil War. As he told his Cabinet, “With the fearful strain that is upon me night and day, if I did not laugh occasionally I should die, and you need this medicine as much as I do”.

Mr. Lincoln’s stories and jokes speak to those common and everyday human experiences to which his audience can readily relate. They will make you laugh, but many will also cause you to reflect on life, people, and the world we live in.

This program is most appropriate for adults and for older youth/teenagers (recommended for 12 years old on up); younger children are still welcome, but they likely won’t understand some of Mr. Lincoln’s puns and jokes. It runs one hour and is followed by an additional time of Q&A, photos, and informal interaction.

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Host or Publisher Leesburg Public Library