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 slavery 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 Lincolns 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 as the story of Lizzy unfolds, full of twists and turns, bravery and remarkable resilience.

Living history at its best! Presented by the East Haddam Stage Company and co-sponsored by the Wintonbury Historical Society and the library.