The Association of Lincoln Presenters
2006 ALP Conference
April 7-9, 2006
Cincinnati, Ohio

2006 ALP Conference Review

Registration began at 12:00 Noon on April 7, 2006, for the 12th Annual Conference of the Association of Lincoln Presenters (ALP). The Quality Inn and Suites, Norwood, Ohio, had been selected as headquarters for the event. Following an afternoon Board Meeting, the registrants spent time socializing and preparing for dinner, followed by the ALP Annual Business Meeting.

Following a hot breakfast on Saturday morning, the members convoyed by car to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Here members toured the house, and learned about the Beecher Family, the home itself, and the various furnishings and displays. Members were given the opportunity to inquire about particular points of interest to them.

Back in our automobiles, we traveled to downtown Cincinnati and Lytle Park. The Lincoln Statue in this park was constructed by George Gray Barnard. Robert Lincoln objected to the brogans on Lincoln’s feet, and requested the statue not be unveiled. Association members gathered around the controversial sculpture for a group photo, then greeted the general public attracted by the Lincoln look-alikes.

Our next stop was The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. While touring the exhibits at their own pace, members were impressed with the extensive displays and information provided in print and sound. We spent considerable time viewing displays and listening to the pre-recorded messages. Docents also talked with us, answering questions that were generated by what we saw and heard.

Back at the hotel we prepared for a banquet, followed by group photos on the lawn. Our first evening speaker was Jack Simon, who related to us the extensive Civil War burials at Spring Grove Cemetery. Lincoln had visited this cemetery in 1855, while in Cincinnati for the Manny vs. McCormick patent infringement lawsuit. Over a section is devoted to the Civil War dead, in addition to the 41 generals who are at rest there. Jack also provided considerable background about Barnard’s Lincoln Statue in Lytle Park (which we had seen that morning).

Joyce Huggins, of Chicago, presented in first person as Harriet Beecher Stowe. Her comments helped flesh out our understanding of feelings that contributed to the writing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and augmented our observations from the Stowe House that morning. The ladies then enjoyed their annual Strawberry Social, where they exchanged perspectives on being Mrs. Lincoln to “Abe,” while the gentlemen shared discussions of their choice.

Sunday morning found ALP members joining in a Worship Service, where we joined in song including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Following worship, the Marys enjoyed a program by Sheri Manthei on “19th Century Jewelry,” while the Abes observed vignettes presented by the Ohio ALP members.

Following lunch, member Jim Sayre led a round-table discussion on being Lincoln in this multi-media world, materials and props, advertisements, and ethics as a presenter. This session concluded with a Q & A session, including suggestions for future conferences.