‘Mrs. Lincoln’ to visit association meeting

The Monmouth County Historical Association will hold its 113th annual meeting on Jan. 24 at the Thompson Park Visitors Center, 805 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft. A brief business meeting will begin at 6 p.m., to be followed by a program, “An Evening With Mrs. Lincoln,” at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and admission is free.

Mrs. Lincoln will be portrayed by Judi Cox, who has been interpreting the life of Mary Todd Lincoln for more than five years at museums, libraries, schools and parades throughout the state.

She calls Mrs. Lincoln “one of the most misunderstood women in our nation’s history,” and is committed to presenting the former first lady as accurately as possible, according to a press release.

Cox also does living history as a member of a civil war re-enactors group, the Second Rhode Island Volunteers. She will be accompanied by Paul Serge, who portrays Elmer Ellsworth Hager, Mrs. Lincoln’s bodyguard. Serge will play authentic CivilWar music on classical guitar as background to Cox’s performance.

Following the program, Mrs. Lincoln will make herself available for questions. Refreshments will be served at that time. Individuals may call 732-462-1466 for further information or to let the association know they wish to attend.

During this, the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the Monmouth County Historical Association will be presenting a number of programs and exhibitions about the Civil War.

Currently on view at the museum and library in Freehold Borough is “Marching Away: Monmouth County in the Civil War,” an exhibition that explores the experiences of Monmouth County’s Civil War veterans through their letters, period broadsides, uniforms, weapons and mementos brought back from the war.

The Monmouth County Historical Association is a private nonprofit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898. For membership or admission fees and further information, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.