History on the Square: June

Join us for a new history series in collaboration with the Gettysburg Foundation to hear the story of Lincoln's 2nd Inauguration Ball.

History on the Square: June

Join us on June 25th for History on the Square! Dive into fascinating stories and uncover secrets from the past right here in our community. Hors d' eouvres and 1 drink ticket included for each guest.

May I have the Pleasure of this Dance?

From the Ballroom to Hell ~ Politics and Pleasure Collide!

President Lincoln’s Second Inauguration Ball took place on March 6, 1865 in the Patent Office building (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum) in Washington D.C. From a New York Times account of the ball, Nancy Walker & Jef Savage have created an evening of entertainment & enlightenment.

They will perform two of the dances listed on the 1865 Inauguration Ball dance card : A Polka and a Danish Dance in reproduction period ballroom clothing. The presentation will be interspersed with historical vignettes & personalities that were associated with the ball.

Humorous and informative period readings will explain dance origins, the social settings in which they were enjoyed, how the dances are reconstructed from period dance manuals, and examine the Ballroom as a microcosm of 19th century societal politics. Lincoln’s first brush with dance as politics was at a ball at the beginning of his courtship of Mary Todd.

Guests will have opportunities for participation in a popular Parlor Game, a group dance and real time Q & A. Original period artifacts will be on display including period clothing, lace, dance cards, fashion plates, dance images, newspapers, sheet music, dance and etiquette manuals.