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Mary Harlan Lincoln: Mourning First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Harlan Lincoln’s mother-in-law was known around the world - Former First Lady, widow of the martyred President Lincoln. But the two Mary Lincolns did not always have a cordial relationship, and after a long illness, Mary Todd Lincoln died on 16 July 1882. Now, after years of separation, the surviving Mary Lincoln must sort through the possessions left by the elder Mary Lincoln. This emotionally charged and deeply personal act opens memories from their shared past.

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Meet Mary Harlan – On the eve of the Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball, in March 1865, Mary
Harlan travels to the Executive Mansion to take tea with Mary Lincoln. Hear the young Mary’s
experiences of the Civil War.

  • See a clip of this presentation here

Meet Mary Harlan

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