Whit McMahan
portrays the life story of
President Abraham Lincoln
Experience the life story of the Sixteenth
President and learn about his struggle with
the American Civil War
Here are some suggested locations for a program
Need an Abe Lincoln Presenter for your event?
For One Score and one years, I have been been bringing the Sixteenth President back to life. "Life of Lincoln", my adult program, includes a story of President Abraham Lincoln's life, as told in first person. As a storyteller, my goal is to educate and entertain audiences young and old. As a native of Kentucky, I can speak in a tone comparable to Lincoln. I also try to emulate his appearance, mannerisms, and emotions in a convincing way, although I do not call myself an impersonator.
Adult 1-Hour Presentation - Grades 12 and Up
Adult 40-Minute Presentations (includes sections of the complete program) - Grades 12+
Children's 20-Minute Presentation - Preschool to grade 12 (May include one or two sessions)
Sections of my adult programs are performed to prerecorded period music. As a method actor and story teller, I portray President Lincoln using my own selection of home spun stories, jokes, and excerpts from his many famous speeches. My interactive presentations explore the period of time in the Lincoln family from the 1780's through 1865. I will also add a book display and patriotic decor. The children's program is less detailed, with a greater emphasis on teaching.
I. The story of Abraham Lincoln's grandfather, as he journeyed through the
mountains of North Carolina to his new home in Northern Kentucky, and his untimely
death by the Indians
II. The story of the Lincoln family's move into a vacant log cabin and their struggles of hard
farm life in rural Central Kentucky
III. The story of the movement of the Lincoln family to Southern Indiana and their
wilderness encounters
IV. The story of Lincoln's boyhood, along with a demonstration of frontier toys familiar to
children of the era
V. Tales, riddles, and Lincoln's first hand witness of slavery
VI. The story of Lincoln's move to Illinois and his experiences in New Salem and in the
state legislature
VII. The story of Lincoln's move to Springfield and his experiences as a circuit lawyer
VIII. The story of Lincoln's experiences as a Congressman, debater, and his election to the
Presidency
IX. A brief lesson on Lincoln's Presidency and the Civil War from his perspective, covering
family matters, battles, generals, and his personal experiences
X. Recitation of the Gettysburg and a portion of the Second Inaugural addresses
XI. The surrender story and war aftermath
XII. The Assassination story
XIII. The long range effects of the Civil War and a positive message for our country's
future