WATERLOO – During Celebrate Commemorate, come and meet the Presidents at the M’Clintock House on East Willliams Street, part of Women’s Rights National Historical Park.
On Saturday at 1, Fritz Klein as President Abraham Lincoln will speak on “Allies in the Antislavery Cause: Abraham Lincoln and the M’Clintock Family.” He will discuss his own experiences with slavery, revealing through his letters and writings how he hated slavery. Lincoln will explain why he opposed abolishing slavery – though he wished to end slavery sooner rather than later, by gradual means, he believed that abolishing slavery would be breaking the law. Lincoln will paraphrase the ideas from the Cooper Union Speech, where he describes how the political power of the slave interests had expanded at the expense of the free states. He also will speak of his respect for Frederick Douglass, a close ally of the M’Clintock family and how his ideas differed from the M’Clintocks. Although he disagreed with their radical and illegal abolitionist tactics, he respected their conviction to ending slavery.
On Sunday at 11AM, Gib Young as President Theodore Roosevelt will discuss "Women in My Life and reform movements." With his engaging manner of speaking and his boundless energy, Roosevelt’s speech is sure to be entertaining and thought provoking.
The M'Clintock House will be open, 10:30 - 5 on Saturday, 10:30 - 4 on Sunday and 1:00 - 4 on Monday. Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
