“Lincoln & His Generals”

The 16th U.S. President and two of his best Civil War generals, Ulysses S. Grant and James A. Garfield (both from Ohio), speak about their recollections of the War Between the States.  They explain their military pasts, how the war affected them, and reveal how they crossed paths.  Their frustrations and accomplishments are discussed, as well as some humorous situations they encountered from 1861 to 1865. 

“Destiny of the Republic: Recollections of 1881”

 The Widow Lucretia Garfield  shares stories of the 20^th President’s assassination and  death (including some very eerie predictions) and details about “The Funeral of the Century.”  She also brings the audience up-to-date about her family since those tragic days.  A discussion about Candice Millard’s 2011 book follows the presentation.

“A Visit With Abraham & Mary Lincoln”

 Join the Lincolns for an engaging dialogue about their early lives, how they met, their courtship, marriage, and family – plus anecdotes about their boys and life in the Executive Mansion in Washington City.  Law, politics, and Civil War are interwoven into their story, too!  This is also a fine opportunity to ask your questions of the 16th U.S. President and his wife.

“Beyond the Veil”

  Two former First Ladies try to find solace after experiencing unspeakable tragedies.  Mary Todd Lincoln and Lucretia Garfield discuss the Victorians’ interest in séances, astrology, dreams, and premonitions – and share how these beliefs affected their families.  They also reveal strange facts about their husbands’ deaths.

“From Log Cabin to White House”

Ed Haney takes you through the life of James Garfield, from being born in a log cabin to becoming the 20^th President of the United States, up to his untimely death.  As Ed speaks as James, the audience will experience an intimate and timely view of the stages of Garfield’s life and his many accomplishments.  The program includes:

§         James as a boy
§         Working on the Ohio Canal
§         Education and religious beliefs
§         Career at Hiram College
§         His marriage
§         The Civil War
§         Member of Congress
§         The “Front Porch Campaign”
§         Assassination

“Letters from the Front”

James and Lucretia Garfield exchanged approximately 1,200 letters during their courtship and marriage in the mid-19^th century.  Many of the letters chronicle James Garfield’s service in the Civil War – 28 months that saw him rise from lieutenant-colonel to major general, from relative obscurity to national prominence.  These letters contain candid commentary that spans history.  They could have been written at any time in history: from Valley Forge, the Mekong Delta, or Mosul, Iraq. 

Listen, learn, and experience a view of the past as Ed and Debbie give a first-person reading of the timeless accounts of the Garfields’ wartime thoughts and home front activities – the details of their private lives, from the suffering and carnage brought on by war to the domesticity of their first “real” home and toddler’s first words.

“Dear Wife and Mother”

The terrible tragedy of President Garfield’s assassination in 1881 shattered Lucretia’s world.  First Lady for only three months, she was suddenly thrust into the spotlight during his suffering after the shooting, staying constantly by his side.  She was admired and respected by her fellow Americans and people abroad as she publicly exhibited strength and courage.  However, her shy and private nature resumed after her husband’s death when she returned to Mentor, Ohio.

Through her own words, learn more about Lucretia Garfield’s dedication to her husband’s memory and discover how she occupied her remaining 36-1/2 years.  Debbie Weinkamer's portrayal of the Widow Garfield at the turn of the twentieth century will explain how her children achieved their own destinies and why James had said that Lucretia “rose up to every occasion.”

“Portrait of a Nineteenth Century Marriage”

Follow along with Lucretia and James  Garfield as they recount their long-term relationship.  Ed and Debbie explain how James and Lucretia crossed paths before their marriage, expose the pitfalls of their “Dark Years,” and reveal how their relationship -- and family -- blossomed.  Politics get woven into the story, too!  The program includes:

§   Growing up in the Western Reserve §   School days and romance §   War! §   Life in Washington, D.C. §   “A Home and a Cow” §   A “Dark Horse”      – the 1880 Republican Convention §   The “Front Porch Campaign” §   200 Days in Office §   The Aftermath