Historical First Impressions

05/27/2026

05/05/2026

See the Past Come Alive! Join us on Tuesday, May 26 at 2pm for our First Lady of the World event with Historical First Impressions.

Step into the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt. The civil rights champion, author and stateswoman - she earned the title “First Lady of the World” and was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Presented by the historical actress Jessica Michna with Historical First Impressions.

17560 W. North Avenue, Brookfield
RSVP by 5/24 to Linda at 262-879-8711or [email protected]

05/04/2026

Saturday Jessica portrayed Abigail Adams foe the Rochester, WI Historical Society's Libertea.

04/29/2026

America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, which makes it a great time to learn a bit about figures in our country's history.

At Cornerstone Community Center, the audience spent the morning with Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of our 16th president. We heard about her early life as the daughter of a wealthy family, how she met Mr Lincoln, their life in Springfield, Illinois and in Washington City. We heard some sweet family stories, but also Mrs Lincoln's heartbreak in losing three sons and her husband, and the misery that followed.

Thanks to Jessica Michna of Historical First Impressions for an amazing performance. And thanks to our co-sponsors DeForest Area Public Library and Cornerstone Community Center.

Watch for information on Jessica's next visit on September 22 when we'll meet Abigail Adams.

04/19/2026

Higher quality video (except for the mic noise, bonnet ribbon rubbing on mic). Cordelia Harvey at the Green Bay Neville Public Museum.

1 like. "Cordelia Harvey – “Angel in a Gray Bonnet”"

04/14/2026

She was one of one our most misunderstood First Ladies.
She has lost not only her husband, but three of her four sons.
Now she returns to Springfield, Illinois to take up residence with her sister Elizabeth.

Come and meet Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln as portrayed by historical impressionist, Jessica Michna. We'll listen as Mrs. Lincoln recalls the days of her girlhood in the genteel society of Lexington, Kentucky, her marriage to the gangly young lawyer, and eventually her rise to become the First Lady. Share in her excitement as she first sees the Executive Mansion and share in her grief as she looses three of her sons and her beloved husband.

Mary Todd Lincoln: A Widow Forgotten
with Jessica Michna, Historical First Impressions
Tuesday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Cornerstone Community Center

This program is co-hosted by DeForest Area Public Library, DeForest Area Historical Society, and Cornerstone Community Center.