Main Content

Date
10/07/2021
Time
Days
Thursday
Cost
Free

I consider you my best living friend,” Mary Lincoln wrote to Elizabeth Keckly in 1867, and indeed theirs was a close, if tumultuous, relationship. Born into slavery, Elizabeth Keckly was Mary Lincoln’s dressmaker, confidante, and mainstay during the difficult years that the Lincolns occupied the White House and the early years of Mary’s widowhood. But she was a fascinating woman in her own right, Lizzy had bought her freedom in 1855 and come to Washington determined to make a life for herself. She was independent and already well-established as the dressmaker to the Washington elite when she was first hired by Mary Lincoln upon her arrival in the nation’s capital. Historian Jennifer Fleischner gives us a glimpse into the life and character of Elizabeth Keckly and the unusual friendship she formed with Mary Lincoln — its rise and its fall — at a time when the battle over slavery, freedom, and race were tearing the nation apart.

History Happy Hour is a biweekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join us as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

Did you know members of the Association have access to all previous History Happy Hour episodes? Become a member here.

Responsibility org Horizontal Logo Web Partnership

Responsibility.org

Our Sponsor

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol. Supported by nine of America's distillers who lead with a strong commitment to responsibility, Responsibility.org's distinguished National Advisory Board and our partners at the national and local level help us reach a broad audience, guiding a lifetime of conversations about alcohol responsibility across all 50 U.S. states and in our nation's capital.