Dr. Stacy Lynn to Launch New Book “Loving Lincoln” at Lincoln Heritage Museum on June 7.

[June 02, 2025]  LINCOLN, IL — As a historian and Abraham Lincoln scholar, Stacy Lynn has become frustrated that male historians too often overlook Lincoln’s love for and friendship with women. Thus, she decided to explore how female interactions impacted him. The result is the new book, “Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln's Life and Legacy,” published by SIU Press.

Lynn will premiere her new release at the Lincoln Heritage Museum on Saturday June 7 at 1 PM. She will discuss her book and relay how that has intersected with her own life.

This new unique Abraham Lincoln biography features thirty historical and personal essays, and within them, the stories of more than ninety women, each with their own mini biographies. Among them are
Lincoln’s friends, clients, and extended family, as well as writers, artists, and—blurring the lines between history and memoir—author Stacy Lynn herself.

Dr. Stacy Lynn has written four books, including “Mary Lincoln: Southern Girl, Northern Woman” (Routledge, 2015). She earned a Ph.D. in American history at the University of Illinois and has served as an editor for both the Papers of Abraham Lincoln and of the Jane Addams Papers. She also publishes the blog Being Mack’s Momma Bear and recently started a newsletter entitled Truth, Democracy, and Dogs.

Lynn explained the impetus behind “Loving Lincoln,” saying, “Women helped forge the moral character of America's greatest president. He understood the importance of the women in his life and put women’s wellbeing at the center of his personal, professional, and political ethos. He was loved by two strong pioneer mothers as well as sisters, friends, nieces, and his wife.

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He served women clients during his long legal career. As president, he met with women, dedicating time to hear their concerns despite the burdens of office. He replied to letters women wrote him. He believed in their capabilities and revolutionized the role of women in the workforce. Even after Lincoln’s death, women continued to shape his legacy.”

Lincoln Heritage Museum director Ron Keller is thrilled about Lynn’s appearance. “We are truly honored that Dr. Stacy Lynn decided to allow us to host her book launch.” He added, “We love to tell the stories in our museum not just of Lincoln, but of the many who shaped him. By relaying stories of the women in his life, ‘Loving Lincoln’ adds even another layer and dimension to who Abraham Lincoln was and what made him who he was. And,” he concluded, “as an added bonus, Stacy makes it personal.”

Books will be available for sale at the Museum and signed by the author.

Admission to the Lincoln Heritage Museum is free during the event, but donations are welcome.

[Lincoln Heritage Museum]

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