Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What do you charge for your Lincoln presentations?

a.      The rates vary by the location, venue, scheduling, how many Lincolns are requested and per diem expenses, so I quote them on an individual basis.

b.     School presentations are done on my every-other off Fridays from my day job, at a rate of $250 in the Denver area.  Longer travel or other weekdays are quoted as they arise.

c.     Churches are usually based on their own customary honorarium or love offering.

2.     How long do your presentations generally last?

a.      Most are 30-minutes long a few are longer or shorter.  I can usually tailor any presentation duration to meet the host’s requested time. 

3.     What kind of venues do you present Lincoln?

a.      Lincoln is universal to any wholesome event.

b.     Schools at all levels from elementary through universities, international student groups, graduations, baccalaureates,

c.     Corporate and government events, TV, radio, advertising, entertainment, movie premiers,

d.     Libraries, museums, senior, retirement, men’s and women’s, civic groups and political groups,

e.      Any long established entities having a connection to Lincoln, churches, scouts,

f.       Historical locations and reenactments, civil war round tables group, Chautauquas, reunions, parties, birthdays, banquets, conventions, resorts,

g.     Victorian balls, teas, vintage baseball games,

4.     My group has a pre-selected theme; can Lincoln speak to that theme?

a.      Possibly so, several presentations have started just this way.  Let me know and we’ll give it a try.

5.     How far do you travel doing Lincoln presentations?

a.      We enjoy traveling and have done Lincoln all over our home state of Colorado as well as many other states.

6.     Why do you have so many different Lincoln presentations?

a.      The valuable character and historical episodes from Lincoln’s life are so numerous that no single presentation can adequately touch them all. 

7.     How long have you been doing Abraham Lincoln?

a.      The 1996 start is detailed in the ‘Why Abe’ tab.

8.     How did you get started doing Abraham Lincoln?

a.      Check out the ‘Why Abe’ tab.

9.     Why do you present Abraham Lincoln?

a.      To showcase his inspirational character qualities to folks of all ages.  I think it’s important for people today to know that Lincoln became great by focusing on what he could do for the long term benefit of his country.  We would do well to emulate his examples of honesty, integrity, perseverance, compassion, friendship and purpose.

10. How do you remember all these Lincoln facts and connect them instantly?

a.      We all remember the things we prioritize; the words to our favorite songs, details about our loved ones, etc.  I put a high priority on learning all I can about Lincoln.

b.     I work hard to connect the abundance of Lincoln information into a cohesive whole.

11. How does Mrs. Lincoln participate in your the presentations and events?

a.      She’s an active participant in the ‘Lincoln’s Happiest Day Play’ and certain other presentations.

b.     She completes the Lincoln couple and portrays Mary’s moods and views quite well.  See Mary Lincoln tab for more info.

12.  Is there a story about how Mrs. Lincoln started dressing as the first lady?

a.      (From Mary Lincoln) Yes, along with the rest of our family I thought John had gone off the deep end when he started dressing and presenting as Lincoln.  My participation was plain clothes and sporadic until we discovered Victorian dancing.

b.     When I learned that I could dress and dances like a princess, I was in for that part.

c.     Abe drew me into the presentations in slow methodical steps.  First it was just doing the grand entry, sitting in the front row, riding in horse drawn carriages and just looking the part.

d.     During Q&A, folks wanted to ask me questions.  Abe helped me along with items that were safe for my limited knowledge.

e.      Then I started reading books on Mary Todd Lincoln to learn more of my character.  A couple years ago, I started doing mini-presentations, and then came the Happiest Day Play.

f.       I have actually won several character contests as Mary Todd Lincoln. 

13.  What do you consider Lincoln’s greatest trait?

a.      There are many to consider, but I believe it’s the unusual balance of confidence and humility.  

14. Why don’t you allow hosts to provide you the pre-coordinated questions to be addressed to Abe?

a.      The free flow of questions is a great way to explore Lincoln.  We can go as deep as desired in the particular interest of the audience.  I enjoy doing this spontaneously.

15.  What determines when you bring and use the various Lincoln props you have?

a.      Lincoln and his costume comes standard

b.     Mrs. Lincoln comes in costume on an exception basis, when specifically requested.

c.     The host always provides the PA system (wireless lapel preferred), player for Lincoln’s music CD, and glass of water.

d.     Lincoln chair brought when audience will be able to see a seated Lincoln (sloped theatre floor, stage or riser).

e.      When host requests a display table, they provide the table and Lincoln brings the display items.

f.        The Happiest Day Play requires the host to provide the following props: two wooden chairs (at least one without arms, to make room for Mrs. Lincoln’s hoops), table between chairs, vertical coat rack, narrator to read text provided by Lincoln.