In honor of the bicentennial of the birth of the 16th president, a local historian will examine Abraham Lincoln’s overnight visit to Dover, New Hampshire, in 1860. The free lecture by Brad Fletcher is sponsored by the Old Berwick Historical Society.
The program will be held at Berwick Academy’s Jeppesen Science Center on Academy Street at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 19. Refreshments will be served by volunteers.
In 1860, Lincoln visited the east coast to make his famous Cooper Union Address and visit his eldest son at Phillips Exeter Academy. He had his photograph taken by celebrated 19th century photographer Matthew Brady. During the New Hampshire stop, Lincoln made speeches and campaigned in several cities, including Dover.
Fletcher, an upper school history teacher at Berwick Academy, will trace Lincoln’s steps in the Seacoast area, exploring the stories and myths generated by the visit. He will also talk about the dividends the visit paid at the Republican Convention in Chicago two months later, which set Lincoln on the road to the White House in November.
This event is part of the Old Berwick Historical Society’s 2009 series of talks, walks and historical events. The series, supported by member donations and a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, includes seven monthly evening presentations as well as other local history events around South Berwick, including the society’s Counting House Museum.
More information on all the Old Berwick Historical Society’s programs is available at info@obhs.net, or by calling (207) 384-0000.
