Reenactment of Conspiracy Trial - 150th

[BettyO]

Yesterday a reenactment of the 150th commemoration of the Lincoln Conspiracy Trial was held at Fort McNair in the original trial room.

Although touted originally as open to the public, due to heightened security concerns, it was decided to make the function private. This was a "Closed Event" at which myself, one or two others, and the museum curator, Susan Lemke, were present. It was a real privilege to attend this function, and exciting to be there for the reenactment. At times, it seemed like a lithograph come to life! Although there were no soldiers "sandwiched" between the prisoners - it still looks quite good - and it was a LOT of fun!

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

[Rick Smith]

Thanks for posting on this, Betty.

My dear friend, Patrick Dunigan, portrayed Michael O'Laughlin.

That is him, in the center, with the dark hair and mustache.

[Gene C]

Good pictures
That's one mean knife

[Pamela]

Gene, wow, I agree. It looks like it could kill a bear. Was that the size knife Booth used? The reenactment looked like a lot of fun. It's too bad the public wasn't allowed to enjoy it.

[PaigeBooth]

Betty-- Thanks so much for sharing these excellent pictures! I really enjoyed seeing them.

[Susan Higginbotham]

Was it taped?

[Eva Elisabeth]

Cool photos - thanks for sharing, Betty! Great you had such a fun day!!!

[RJNorton]

Many thanks for this posting, Betty! Fascinating. I agree with Pam and Gene on the knife - wow!

[BettyO]

I had a blast! The trial was really well done....thanks for the comments.

The knife is the same rubber one that Norman Reddus used in The Conspirator based erroneously on Dr. Lattimer's knife. The real knife is in the Huntington Library out in LA. Robinson lived in Pomona, CA and descendants gave the knife to the museum/library....

After a two hour rehearsal, the trial was videotaped. I'm hoping to get a copy of it.....

[Thomas Kearney]

Thanks for sharing.

[MaddieM]

(06-22-2015 06:41 AM)BettyO Wrote:  I had a blast! The trial was really well done....thanks for the comments.

The knife is the same rubber one that Norman Reddus used in The Conspirator based erroneously on Dr. Lattimer's knife. The real knife is in the Huntington Library out in LA. Robinson lived in Pomona, CA and descendants gave the knife to the museum/library....

After a two hour rehearsal, the trial was videotaped. I'm hoping to get a copy of it.....

Oh, you were there! I just found this link and thought of you.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nduaudiovi...4561825020

[L Verge]

Betty is in some of the first frames here - a modern civilian with a pale green top. Two former docents at Surratt House are also part of the reenactment. Patrick Dunigan portrayed Michael O'Laughlen, and his wife, Joanne, is one of the ladies. They used to commute from NJ once a month to serve as guides.

[RJNorton]

Maddie, thank you for posting that link!

[L Verge]

Maddie - It is so nice to see you posting again. We've missed you.

[BettyO]

I heartedly agree! We've MISSED you, Maddie! Welcome back!