Behind the Scenes

Elizabeth Keckley reveals the hardships of slavery and the changing political climate in Washington amongst the country’s most powerful couple, Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Keckley had unprecedented access, giving insight into their state during and after the Civil War.

Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery and experienced a traumatic upbringing riddled with physical and sexual violence. One attack resulted in the birth of her son, whom she named George. Elizabeth was a gifted seamstress wh...