Mary Todd Lincoln’s story — from her Kentucky childhood to the tragedy at Ford’s Theatre — was brought to life recently at the Slatington Public Library, where the library book club welcomed historical interpreter Linda Minarik in full period dress.

Minarik, who has portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln for about 20 years, delivered a first-person presentation that traced Mrs. Lincoln’s life through the Civil War era, blending history with emotion and detail.

“I was born Dec. 13, 1818, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Robert Smith Todd and Eliza Parker Todd,” Minarik said in character. “My parents really wanted us to be in the best schools. I had 14 siblings. I speak French and am a horse woman.”

Minarik told the audience that Mary Todd eventually moved to Springfield, Illinois, where she met Abraham Lincoln at a dance.

“He was 31 and I was 20. He was a terrible dancer,” she said. “He was a lawyer, he had a great heart and a lot of strength.”

The couple married in 1842 and settled in Springfield, where Lincoln began his political career.

“We moved to the Capitol building in Springfield where he got into politics,” Minarik said. “It was a time when women were seen but not heard, and slaves were considered contraband. My husband did not believe in slavery.”

The presentation continued through Lincoln’s election and the move to Washington in 1861, where Minarik described the challenges Mary faced as first lady.

“We moved to Washington City in 1861, where Abraham became the 16th president,” she said. “The capital was such a mess. There was not even a key for the front door.”

Minarik said Mary worked to redecorate the White House during a time of national turmoil.

“We were right in the middle of the Civil War. I redecorated and bought lots of gloves,” she said. “Ladies were supposed to wear gloves at that time.”

Minarik also spoke of Mary’s constant fear for her husband’s safety as the war continued.

“We are there in the middle of The Civil War. I was afraid for my husband,” she said. “He supported the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.”

The program concluded with a detailed account of the night Lincoln was assassinated.

“My husband was such a busy man, but on April 12, 1865, he took me to Ford’s Theatre,” Minarik said. “He loved going to the theater. Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone joined us in the presidential booth.

“At 10:15 p.m. John Wilkes Booth entered Lincoln’s theater box, and shot my husband at the back of his head,” she said. “Major Rathbone momentarily struggled with Booth, but Booth stabbed him and escaped.”

Minarik said Lincoln was carried across the street to the Peterson House.

“My husband was taken across the street to Peterson House where he remained in a coma for 9 hours and died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15th,” she said. “Nothing was ever the same again. I have never gone to another play.”

Minarik, a retired history teacher who spent 16 years at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, said she chose Mary Todd Lincoln after researching strong women in history. Her portrayal included a convincing accent, historically accurate clothing and a presence that closely matched the first lady’s stature.

The appearance was part of the Slatington Library Book Club’s ongoing programs. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the library.

The club recently read “The Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara, a Civil War novel, and members said their next trip will be to Gettysburg.

Library hours updated

The Slatington Public Free Library has also announced new operating hours: Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library is closed Fridays and Sundays.

Also, library staff member Rosie has agreed to return temporarily until a replacement is found after a new hire resigned.