Life Without President Garfield (Aug. 28)

Aug28

Aug. 28

Life without President Garfield

As part of its 2024 TakeMeBack series, the Richfield Historical Society will present “Life After President Garfield" on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m.

Debbie Weinkamer will portray Lucretia Garfield, whose world was shattered by the 1881 assassination of her husband, James. A. Garfield. Lucretia was the first lady for only four months when she was thrust into the spotlight during his suffering after the shooting. She was admired and respected by her fellow Americans and people abroad as she publicly exhibited strength and courage. Her husband once said that she “rose up to every occasion.”

However, her shy and private nature resumed after her husband’s death when she returned to Mentor, Ohio.

Weinkamer has been involved with the Garfield family story since 1998 and has done extensive research into their lives and times. She has been portraying Lucretia Garfield since 2001, when she teamed up with Ed Haney as James A. Garfield. In 2018, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her many volunteer hours on behalf of the Garfield story. Having an Associate of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Weinkamer strives to make her presentations engaging, meaningful, and educational for audiences of all ages.

No reservations are required for this free program. Call 330-659-4750 for additional information and visit richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org for any event updates. ∞