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Who's Booking
- Universities
- women's studies
- African American studies
- Black history/literature
- Middle and High Schools
- Historical societies and museums
- Textile organizations
- Lizzy was a seamstress and dressmaker
- Libraries
- both adult and children's libraries
- Women's clubs
- Multi-cultural festivals/ town events
- Civil War history/reenactment groups
The Production
The true life story of Elizabeth Keckly; her rise from slavery to entrepreneurial freedom then scandal and decline.
Elizabeth Keckly was best known as dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln and
as author of "Behind the Scenes, 30 years a slave and four years in
the White House"
This is the moving tale of one woman's life during the 19th Century,
spanning more than the entirety of the Victorian Era. Her name was
Elizabeth (Hobbs) Keckly. Born into slavey in 1818, Lizzy eventually
managed to purchase her freedom. She made her way to Washington D.C.,
where her dressmaking skills and entrepreneurial savvy brought her to
the attention of many political families.
Once the Lincoln’s arrived in Washington, there was no turning back
for Lizzy. Mary Lincoln hired Madame Keckly, launching a relationship
unlike any Lizzy had ever envisioned for herself. She was often
there, in the room, with President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln during
some of their most private and difficult moments.
While she is best known for her talents as Mary Todd Lincoln's
dressmaker and 'stylist' if you will, the story before and beyond her
connection to the White House is equally compelling.
Performed in retrospect, this dramatic recounting of Lizzy's
experiences is much more than a slave narrative, it is a human story,
at times tragic, at times triumphant, always fascinating.
In this 1 hour presentation join actress Stephanie Jackson or Tammy Richardson as the story of Lizzy unfolds, full of twists and turns, bravery and remarkable resilience.
Living history at it's best!
Please Note: Elizabeth Keckly is performed by both Stephanie Jackson and Tammy Richardson depending on dates and/or location. Both are accomplished actresses that bring Elizabeth Keckly to life in this true life story. EHSCO reserves the right to schedule either actress for any given performance.
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