Mary Todd Lincoln : Kentucky Chautauqua

06/16/2026

About to tell Mary’s story at George C**n Public Library in Princeton, KY. Western KY is so beautiful!

06/12/2026

Thank you Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) and KEDC Grants for brining EIGHT Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua Presenters to your conference this week at Tates Creek High School. It is always invigorating being around educators who are passionate about learning.

06/10/2026

What a joy to receive a key to the City of Wilmore, Kentucky from Mayor Rainwater himself as part of the 150th celebration of Wilmore at Wilmore Free Methodist Church on Presidents' Day.

During a recent performance in Wilmore, Kentucky Chautauqua's Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Catherine Pleis Gaffney, received a key to the city from Mayor Harold Rainwater!

Learn more about bringing history to life with Kentucky Chautauqua https://kyhumanities.org/programs/chautauqua/

06/10/2026

I had the best time sharing Mary’s story at West Jessamine High School last Friday! An incredible audience of students engaged in history.

And I was so blessed by this drawing one of the talented students created for me!! 🥰

04/27/2026

Thank you to the Old Parsonage of Andrew Tribble for hosting 6 months of the Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua presentations!

July—December enjoy the Kentucky Chautauqua performers at the Old Parsonage

04/20/2026

QUESTION: Did Mary and her son, Robert, ever reconcile after her 1875 insanity trial?

NOTE: I'm so sorry that I answered this incorrectly last Friday at Equus Run Vineyards. But I always love to learn more - so I'm sharing this here with you.

ANSWER: While they did not speak for 5 years after the trial (1875-1880), they did meet again in May of 1881 (probably arranged by her sister Elizabeth) - the year before Mary's death from a stroke on July 16, 1882.

More info here: https://www.friendsofthelincolncollection.org/lincoln-lore/robert-lincoln-writes-about-the-end-of-his-mothers-estrangement/ #:~:text=It%20took%20two%20more%20years,home%20on%20Sunday%2C%20May%2029.

04/20/2026

What a gorgeous venue for a Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua presentation last Friday. Thank you Equus Run Vineyards for your hospitality. And thank you to the wonderful audience. I loved your insightful questions afterwards.

04/14/2026

Thrilled for the next show on Mary's calendar in such a gorgeous venue!

Kentucky Chautauqua at Equus Run Vineyards
April 17
Step back into history at Equus Run Vineyards as we proudly host the Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua Series, beginning with an unforgettable evening featuring Mary Todd Lincoln.
Born in Lexington and raised with uncommon education and ambition, Mary Todd Lincoln was one of the most fascinating and influential women of her time. In this powerful first-person portrayal, she reflects on her Kentucky upbringing, her passionate and complex marriage to Abraham Lincoln, the personal losses she endured, and the triumphs and tragedies of a nation divided by the Civil War.
With wit, warmth, and raw honesty, Mary shares stories of love, grief, resilience, and hope, offering a deeply human portrait of a woman who stood beside one of history’s greatest leaders.
Join us for an evening where history comes alive among the vines. Sip award-winning wines, enjoy the beauty of Equus Run, and experience Kentucky history told by those who lived it.

Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Get tickets here: https://equusrunvineyards.com/product/april-17--chautauqua-mary-todd-lincoln/ https://shspt.sh/K445d7

04/14/2026

What a delight to have these young (and young at heart) audience members at last night's performance at the Washington County Public Library.