The Rebel Sister, Emilie, and the Lincolns – (about 1 hour)
When the Lincoln family visited Lexington, Kentucky in the fall of 1847, Abraham
dubbed Mary’s half-sister Emilie “Little Sister.” The two women shared a true
sisterly bond until the outbreak of the Civil War. Emilie’s visit to the White House
caused a Washington scandal and heartbreak for the Lincolns.
The Gift of Love: The Relationship between Robert Lincoln and the Todd
family – (about 1 hour)
After his mother’s death, Robert Lincoln was able to do what his mother never did: forgive and embrace the Confederate members of the Todd family. Through letters written between the Robert Lincoln family and his Aunt Emilie Todd Helm’s family, a relationship developed that centered on mutual family love and forgiveness. Robert embraced the Todd’s; and then found many of them financially depend on him.
The Todds in Lincoln’s White House – (about 1 hour)
This discussion examines the many members of the Todd family who came to
Washington looking for employment. Some were successful in their quest.
Others were not. Their presence created havoc for the Lincoln family and gave
the newspapers fodder for their gossip columns.
Donna McCreary, Author and Historian 