Years ago we made a pilgrimage from New Hampshire to Washington, DC to see the place where Lincoln died. Every American should make this journey. Here is our journal of the visit with digital snapshots.
Ford's Theater is just one of two dozen stops on the Washington DC trolley ride. We paid $25 for a 2 1/2 hour ride, but got off for two full hours to see this historic and macabre location. Prices may have risen since then. The blank brick Ford's Theater looks very much as it did when it became the center of attention on April 14, 1865. The Civil War suddenly ended, John Wilkes Booth stood here and decided not to kidnap the President as planned, but to murder him. Booth's plan included the assassination of the vice president and secretary of state as well. An actor familiar with this theater, Booth rigged the door of the Presidential box. The President and his wife Mary Todd arrived late, and Booth visited the bar next door, now the box office, to drink up his nerve to act.
Today the Theater and the Peterson House across the street are run by the National Park Service. It's dark inside, but was air conditioned on the sweltering July day of our visit. Park rangers offer a short narration and the Lincoln Museum is in the basement. And it's all free. The first thing everyone does, once their eyes accept the darkness, is to snap a flash photo of the presidential box where Lincoln was shot. The reconstruction from early photos is eerily precise. The box was draped that day for Lincoln's possible visit. The picture of George Washington is accurate (the theater owner could not find one of Lincoln.) No matter how many pictures or movies you've seen and despite a roomful of tourists, the effect is still powerful. There it is, you think, the spot where it really happened. – JDR
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
Seacoast Scenes Sale July 7 - 11, 2008 PORTSMOUTH -- Members of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL), a
chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, are having a
benefit art show and sale featuring beautiful seacoast
photography. The event will run from July 1 to 11, 10...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
