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Mary Todd Lincoln to Appear at BaskingRidge Library

Program has been cancelled due to the many ongoing power outages in Somerset County.


Mary Todd Lincoln to Appear at Basking Ridge Library


            “The Very Creature of Excitement – Mary Todd Lincoln” will be presented at the Bernards Township Public Library, 32 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey on Tuesday evening, November 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.  Find out what made the wife of Abraham Lincoln such a fascinating person as told through her eyes.  Mary Todd Lincoln comes to life through actress/storyteller, Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke.  The public is invited to attend.

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            Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke is an actress/storyteller, specializing in creating historical portrayals of real people with real stories to tell.  Using primary sources (diaries, letters, journals) whenever possible, she strives to present each character in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner.


            Ms. MacDonnell-Gaulke has a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology; her research skills and her talent as an actress and storyteller bring historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way.  Participation in WWI re-enacting and vintage dancing along with an avid interest in period etiquette and manners gives her the knowledge to ensure that her portrayals are believable as well as entertaining.

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            Her credits include performances at William Paterson University, Caldwell College Military through the Ages in Williamsburg, Virginia; local chapters of NJ DAR, Belvidere Victorian Days, The Morris Museum, statewide historical societies and Women’s Clubs, and the Mendham NJ Holly Trail.  During 1996-1997 she was artist in residence at The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts.


            The program is sponsored by the Basking Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  The DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.  Members are women, 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.

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