Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to present 'Mary Todd Lincoln: Fashion Plate or Fashion Victim?'         

Edward F. Maeder, director of exhibitions and curator of textiles at Historic Deerfield will host luncheon, lecture and tour

[May 12, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- On June 23, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will present "Mary Todd Lincoln: Fashion Plate or Fashion Victim?" This event will include a luncheon, lecture and tour of the ALPLM's new, temporary exhibit "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy." Special guest Edward F. Maeder, director of exhibitions and curator of textiles at Historic Deerfield, will host the event.

In his lecture, Maeder will discuss the relationship between the stylish dress of the first lady and the important fashion innovations that took place after the Crystal Palace Exposition of 1851 in England. Crinolines, aniline dyes, the sewing machine and photography all had an important influence on how women wished to see themselves and how others saw them. New wealth, industrial developments, international trade, Godey's Lady's Book -- the most important fashion journal of its day -- and surviving garments will be explored in Maeder's visual presentation.

Immediately following the luncheon, Maeder will lead a tour of the temporary exhibit "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy."

This event will begin at noon in the Multipurpose Room of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

Tickets are on sale now for $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 217-558-8934.

"Mary Todd Lincoln: Fashion Plate or Fashion Victim?" is co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and the Junior League of Springfield.

[Text from Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum news release received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]