ELKHART, IL – The Elkhart Illinois Historical Society invites the public to Taking Leave, an immersive portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln set on May 23, 1865, the day she left the White House for the last time. Actress and living-history presenter Pam Brown will appear as Mary Todd Lincoln, sharing memories marked by grief, resilience, and reflection. 

     This event will take place on May 22^nd which includes a dinner followed by the lecture. 

Dinner will be served at the Wild Hare, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. 

     Entrée options are Coq au Vin or roast pork tenderloin in wine sauce, served with herbed mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and green beans. Dessert options are peach crisp with whipped cream or ice cream with chocolate sauce. Tickets are $50 per person.       

About the Speaker:

     Actress, director, and living-history presenter Pam Brown has spent decades helping audiences connect with America’s past through portrayals of Mary Todd Lincoln on stage, at historic sites, and on film.

     After relocating to Illinois in 1990 from Norman, Oklahoma, Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting/Directing from the University of Oklahoma and built a long-running career in community and professional productions. She has served as a featured interpreter of Mary Lincoln across Illinois and beyond.

    
Career highlights include:

·    Directed Our American Cousin for Springfield’s Bicentennial (2009) and again for the Sesquicentennial commemoration (2015).

·    Performed in productions including I Do! I Do!, Oliver, Noises Off, Blithe Spirit, and Steel Magnolias.

·    Portrayed Mary Lincoln in multiple Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum productions, including The Last of Mrs. Lincoln, The Heavens Are Hung in Black, and Mrs. Lincoln Fights Back.

·    Appeared as Mary Lincoln in The Insanity Re-trial of Mary Todd Lincoln (Chicago and ALPLM), videotaped for PBS and nominated for a MidWest Emmy.

·    Featured in two National Geographic documentaries: The Real Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln’s Secret Killer.

 Reservations:
      must be made by calling 217-947-2238 by May 13th. More details are available at https://www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org. You can download the reservation form from the website, by clicking here. 

  After dinner:
 attendees will move to the Elkhart Fellowship Community Center, 206 S. Gillett St., Elkhart, for the program.