Join us for an in-person, dramatic event featuring Howard Wright as Abraham Lincoln.
Exploring the life, words, and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, with a focus on how the Declaration of Independence and the vision of the Founding Fathers—particularly George Washington—shaped his thinking and inspired one of the most important speeches in American history: The Gettysburg Address. This program traces Lincoln’s deep connection to the timeless phrase, “…all men are created equal.” These words guided his principles, his treatment of others, and ultimately his leadership during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history.
The program is framed by two powerful readings of The Gettysburg Address. Hearing the speech at the beginning allows you to experience its impact as Lincoln’s audience might have. By the end, after gaining deeper insights into the meaning of his carefully chosen words and phrases, you will hear the address again—with a renewed understanding and appreciation for its profound message. To bring the man behind the speech to life, several anecdotes about Lincoln’s character and manner will be shared prior to the first reading.
Abraham Lincoln is portrayed by Howard Wright, Connecticut’s premier Lincoln reenactor. Mr. Wright is a life member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, an organization dedicated to the serious interpretation of Abraham Lincoln, and has performed as the 16th president since 2005. Dressed in authentic period attire and speaking in a high tenor voice with a Kentucky accent, Mr. Wright has appeared to great acclaim in a variety of venues. He was the “Lincoln of choice” for the Connecticut Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission-sponsored events (2011-2015). He served as co-chair of the Connecticut Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission from 2008-2010, and was one of seventeen “Lincolns” profiled at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, DC in 2010. Mr. Wright was a science teacher and Science Department Head at Renbrook School in West Hartford for 45 years.
Please register, so we can set the community room up with appropriate seating.
Sponsored by the Avon Library, Avon Historical Society, and Avon Senior Center.