Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do you charge for your Lincoln presentations?
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The rates vary by the location, venue, scheduling, how many Lincolns are requested and travel and per Diem expenses, so I quote them on an individual basis.
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Public school presentations are $250 in the Denver metro area. Longer travel and other venues are quoted as they arise.
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Churches are usually based on their own customary honorarium or love offering.
2. How long do your presentations generally last?
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Most are 30-minutes long a few are longer or shorter. I can usually tailor any presentation duration to meet the host’s requested time.
3. At what kind of venues do you present Lincoln?
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Lincoln is universal to any wholesome event.
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Schools at all levels from elementary through universities, international student groups, graduations, baccalaureates, etc.
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Corporate and government events, TV, radio, advertising, entertainment, movie premiers,
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Libraries, museums, senior groups, retirement homes, men’s and women’s clubs, boy/girl scouts, civic groups and political groups,
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Historical locations and reenactments, civil war round tables group, Chautauqua’s, reunions, parties, birthdays, banquets, conventions, resorts,
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Victorian balls, teas, vintage baseball games
4. My group has a pre-selected theme; can Lincoln speak to that theme?
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Probably so, several presentations have started just this way. Let me know and we’ll give it a try.
5. How far do you travel doing Lincoln presentations?
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We enjoy traveling and have done Lincoln all over our home state of Colorado as well as 29 other states.
6. Why do you have so many different Lincoln presentations?
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The valuable character and historical episodes from Lincoln’s life are so numerous, that no single presentation can even touch them all.
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The Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary of the Civil War and Lincoln’s Presidency give special opportunities to recreate its events.
7. How long have you been doing Abraham Lincoln? And how did you get started presenting Abraham Lincoln?
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The 1996 start is detailed in the ‘Why Abe?’ tab.
8. Why do you present Abraham Lincoln?
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To showcase his inspirational character qualities to folks of all ages. I think it’s important for people today to know that Lincoln became great by focusing on what he could do for the long term benefit of our country. We would do well to emulate his examples of honesty, integrity, perseverance, compassion, friendship and purpose.
9. How do you remember all these Lincoln facts and connect them instantly?
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We all remember the things we highly value; the words to our favorite songs, quips from TV shows, details about our loved ones, etc. I put a high priority on learning all I can about Lincoln. I work hard to connect the abundance of Lincoln information into a cohesive whole.
10. How does Mrs. Lincoln participate in your the presentations and events?
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She’s an active participant in the ‘Lincoln’s Happiest Day Play’ and certain other presentations.
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She completes the Lincoln couple and portrays Mary’s moods and views quite well. See ‘Mary Lincoln’ tab for more info.
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Mrs. Lincoln comes in costume when specifically requested.
11. Is there a story about how Mrs. Lincoln started dressing as the first lady?
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(From Mrs. Lincoln) Yes, along with the rest of our family we thought this was just John’s passion, to dress and present as Lincoln. My participation was sporadic until we discovered Victorian dancing.
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When I learned that I could dress and dance like a Victorian princess, I was interested.
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From there Abe drew me into the presentations in slow methodical steps. First it was just doing the grand entry, sitting in the front row, riding in horse drawn carriages, and just looking the part.
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During Q&A, folks started to ask me questions. I began reading books on Mary Todd Lincoln to learn more of my character. First, I started doing mini-presentations, and then in 2008 we began performing our “Happiest Day Play” together.
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I have actually won several character contests as Mary Todd Lincoln and appeared in character and costume nearly 300 times.
12. What do you consider Lincoln’s greatest trait?
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There are many to consider, but I believe it’s the unusual balance of self-confidence and humility. He balanced the ability and need to determine the best long term solution to any challenge and the humility to seek and patiently listen to anyone’s opinion, just in case it might add anything to his studied rationale.
13. Why don’t you allow hosts to provide you the pre-coordinated questions to be addressed to Abe?
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The free flow of questions is a great way to explore Lincoln. We can go in any direction and as deep as desired by any particular audience. I enjoy doing this spontaneously.
14. What determines when you bring the various Lincoln props you have?
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Lincoln, his $3,000+ costume and maps come standard
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The Lincoln chair is brought when audience will be able to see a seated Lincoln (sloped theatre floor, stage or riser).
15. What does the host provide?
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The host provides the PA system (wireless lapel preferred), player for Lincoln’s music CD, two easels for Lincoln’s maps and glass of water.
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When host requests a display table, they provide the table and Lincoln brings the display items.
16. What added props and assistance does the host provide for the “Happiest Day Play”?
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Two wooden chairs (at least one without arms, to make room for Mrs. Lincoln’s hoops),
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A small table between chairs,
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Vertical coat rack,
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PA system with mics for both Lincolns (wireless lapel preferred),
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Narrator to read text provided by Lincoln.