Historical re-enactor explores assassination of Lincoln in free talk

WOONSOCKET – The Museum of Work & Culture will offer the final installment of its 2018 Valley Talks, a series of free lectures, on Sunday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m. Writer and historical re-enactor Paul Bourget’s presentation will explore the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was in an extraordinarily good mood on Good Friday, April 14, 1865. Five days before, Gen. Robert E. Lee had surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. U.S. Grant at Appomattox. Knowing that the President loved the theater, the First Lady suggested that they attend the comedy playing at Ford’s Theater, Our American Cousin, starring the renowned actress Laura Keene. During the performance, John Wilkes Booth slipped into the President’s box and shot him. As the President lay dying across the street, more than 10,000 Federal soldiers, militia, and security agents embarked on the largest manhunt Washington had ever seen. Booth and his co-conspirators knew that they had to flee to Richmond … but time was running out.

Seating is limited to 75 and is first come, first served.

Bourget is the owner and president of Bourget & Associates and currently serves as the President of the Museum of Work & Culture’s Preservation Foundation, Treasurer of the Stadium Theatre Preservation Foundation, and a member of the Woonsocket School Committee. Bourget is also an experienced historical re-enactor, portraying Brigadier General George Sears Greene, a native Rhode Islander and forgotten hero of Gettysburg.