Today´s view of the conspirators

[L Verge]

"Is there a noticeable taboo surrounding the conspirators? I read a post by Dave Taylor on BoothieBarn regarding the debate concerning removal of Confederate memorials. Is there more tension within the country today and if so, what impact does it have on researching, teaching or in other ways being in touch with the assassination as a subject?"

I am almost 75 years old and have been a nut on the Lincoln assassination story for about 65 years. I was a teacher of history and government for nearly a decade and have now been director of the Surratt House Museum for 35 years (and a volunteer there for 8 years before that). I can honestly say that I have watched the black mantle be lifted from folks and topics related to the assassination over the years -- most drastically during the 1980s to present. Up to that point, I feel that there was a stigma associated with those of us who studied Lincoln, but were intrigued particularly with his assassination.

When I first began attending history groups, and specifically Lincoln groups, I felt the cold wave come over other members when they found out that I was involved with the Surratt House. In some cases, we Booth Buffs (which was our first "designation," which later turned to "Boothies") were pretty much shunned or ignored. It was almost as if we were modern day Lincoln assassins. For example, one such Lincoln Group had been in business for decades and held luncheon meetings. My sidekick, Joan Chaconas, and I decided that we would attend a luncheon.

First, we happened to be the only women at the meeting. There were probably 30-40 middle-aged and ancient men who liked the bar menu as much as they did Mr. Lincoln. Somehow, conversation before the program got around to Booth and the conspirators. My ears were burning! One gent was at least 90 and putting away bottles (not glasses) of red wine. Mention was made of Mary Surratt, and in a loud voice, he proclaimed that, "She got just what she deserved!" Now, he might have been stunned to find out that I believe Mary was part of the original plot, but that the evidence did not justify her punishment. I chose to remain silent.

I am happy to say that the atmosphere has changed dramatically - especially when some very learned Boothies began researching and writing some excellent books on the assassination. At the museum, we soon found that there are a vast number of ordinary people out there who are interested in the subject and want to know more. The assassination authors and experts began speaking to school groups, civic groups, history forums, anywhere that there was an interested audience. I feel that those of our group who are well-versed and objective in the study of Lincoln's assassination have opened the doors to a more accepting audience than what we encountered forty years ago.

As far as the current brouhaha over the Confederate memorials: Yes, there is more tension (especially among those who do not know their history - or are determined to destroy vestiges of it). Like so many "causes" here in the U.S., it is driven by liberals vs. conservatives and media that love the stories they can make money on (and of course, by those who just want to be rabble rousers). As someone who was raised in a diverse neighborhood, taught when Maryland desegregated its schools, and learned from the true civil rights leaders, I wish this so-called movement would turn its attention to ways to overcome what still divides us -- and removing statues and changing names of buildings and highways is not going to cut it.

However, I do not think that you will encounter any problems in visiting sites or research centers while visiting. If they are reputable historians and/or educators, they will keep their personal opinions to themselves while assisting visitors and researchers. I hope that all will follow the mission that we have adhered to at Surratt House since 1975, and that is to tell both sides of any story and hope that the visitors or students will do their homework to learn more and to make up their own minds as to what a logical conclusion might be.

Other than that, Sofi, we are so happy to have you on the forum. I do hope that your visit to the U.S. and to D.C. will include a trip to Surratt House. We are just 15 miles from Ford's Theatre. I am usually there Mondays-Fridays - our tours are Wednesdays-Fridays from 11 am to 3 pm (last tour begins at 2:30) and the weekends, both Saturday and Sunday, tours are from 12 noon to 4 pm (last tour at 3:30). My office is right inside the visitors' center, so ask for Laurie.