The annual event is designed to enhance the
students’ knowledge and understanding of this pivotal time
in the nation’s history.
The day’s activities began with a presentation
by Jane Lawder, chronicling the life of Mary Todd Lincoln.
An employee of the Lincoln Home historical site in
Springfield, Lawder devotes much of her free time to
portraying the wife of the 16th president for school
children, historical organizations and other groups and
public functions. Lawder traced her life with Lincoln
through the difficult days of the war and his tragic death.
The Rev. Alan Newhall explained the crucial
role played by doctors and nurses during the Civil War
period. He captured the students’ attention as he told of
amputation methods utilized in treated wounded soldiers.