Michelle L. Hamilton's Blog, page 4

On Sale in the US

The July issue of Psychic News is now on sale in the US.  The issue features author Leslie Price's interview of me where I discuss my book "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House.  On sale now in Barnes & Noble in the magazine section.

Barnes & Noble Civil War Day

Last Saturday my local Barnes & Noble (Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA) held a Civil War Living History Event.  I love Barnes & Noble on a regular day, but to add a Civil War event into the mix I was over the moon and blocked Saturday off on my calendar.  The event lived up to my anticipation.

At the door shoppers where greeted by a Confederate soldier from the 8th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.  This set the tone for the event as shoppers knew that they were in for something special.

A solider from the 8th VA standing guard, a subtle way to deter shoplifters.

Since the event was held at a bookstore, Barnes & Noble had local Civil War authors on hand for a book signing.  Historian Chris Mackowski signed copies of his latest releases in the Emerging Civil War series from Savas Beatie, LLC (publisher of the ebook edition of "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House).  I was thrilled to pick up an autographed copy of "Fight Like the Devil": The First Day at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.

Also on hand signing books was Eileen Kern Goodman author of the novel Storm Over Fauqier: The Foreboding Tempest: 1860-1861.  I am looking forward to reading this novel which is based on real people and events.

Authors Chris Mackowski and Eileen Kern Goodman at Barnes & Noble Central Park.

The event was more than just a book signing though, as Civil War living historians demonstrated period toys and parlor games, music, and dance (performed by the Civil War Dance Ensemble of Spotsylvania .  Members of the 8th VA Ladies' Aid Society where also on hand to show shoppers how Southern women carried for their loved ones in the army.

A member of the 8th VA receiving assistance from the Ladies' Aid Society, or inquiring on the price of the Nook.

For those curious about all those layers a Civil War lady wore, Miss Frances Allshouse presented "The Layered Lady" clothing demonstration.

Miss Allshouse showing visitors her chemise, corset, and corset cover...how shocking!  Where are my smelling salts?

Propriety has been restored as Miss Allshouse is now properly dressed.

I enjoyed the event and thought that there was a lot to keep shoppers engaged.  This was a well planned event and I hope Barnes & Noble Central Park does another Civil War Day.

Springfield

This past weekend I had a whirlwind trip to Springfield, IL for my book signing at the Lincoln Home NHS.  Leaving Ruther Glen on Thursday evening I arrived in Springfield, IL early Friday evening.  The only hiccup during the drive was getting stuck at a rest stop in Indiana for 25 minutes during a ferocious thunderstorm.  After checking into the hotel, my parents and I rushed out to the Lincoln tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Unfortunately, the tomb had already closed.  
The next morning we arrived bright and early back at Oak Ridge Cemetery and was able to tour the tomb.  Since 2011 every time I visit the tomb I bring flowers for Abraham and Mary Lincoln and was allowed to lay the flowers in front of President Lincoln's cenotaph.  There were already several arrangements commemorating the anniversaries of the passing of Tad and Mary Lincoln on July 15th (Tad) and July 16th (Mary).  President Lincoln in buried in the burial room near the massive marble cenotaph and is protected from grave robbers by several tons of concrete and steel.  Mary Lincoln and three of her sons (Eddie, Willie, and Tad) and also entombed in the burial room in a wall crypt across from the President's.
President Lincoln's cenotaph in the burial room.  The flowers that I left are the small bouquets on the floor.  
Leaving the flowers for the Lincolns.
After leaving the tomb, it was time to head to the Lincoln Home NHS for my book signing.  I had a wonderful time.  It was wonderful to talk to visitors from around the country and the world and sign copies of my book.  
The staff at Eastern National provided me a lovely table for the book signing and even gave me gift bag!
Dave Mull made me feel welcomed at the Lincoln Home NHS.
Signing copies of "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House
Mary Lincoln (aka Pam Brown) even stopped by during my event!  Pam Brown is the premier Mary Lincoln living history presenter in the US.  Her programs at the Lincoln Home as part of the summer History Comes Alive is a must see!History Comes Alive
It was a memorable weekend.

Book Signing: Lincoln Home NHS

I am very pleased to announce that I will be holding a book signing of I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears: Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House  at the Lincoln Home NHS in Springfield, IL on Saturday, July 18, 2015.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site
426 S 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62701

The book signing will start at 10:00 AM and last throughout the day.

Lincoln Home NHS

Book Review: Shadows of War

Shadows of War: Prelude to the First Memorial Day by Janice Sweet McEllen tells the true story of the origins of Memorial Day at the end of the Civil War.  In August 1862, best friends Sophie Keller and Emma Hunter are looking forward to their first day at school in the small town of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.  Little could they imagine that by the end of the day their lives would be changed forever.  The girls arrive at school to find that their teacher has been moved by President Lincoln's call for more volunteers and intends to form a company.  Sophie is shocked when her older brother announces that he plans to enlist to fight for the Union.  With a mixture of pride and sadness, Sophie sees her brother and classmates march off to war.  Now left behind, the women of Boalsburg tend to their farms and support the war effort by forming a Soldiers Aid Society.  Though spared from the dangers of the battlefield, the war is still brought to home to Sophie through the letters sent to her from her brother.  As the causalities on the battlefield mount, Sophie is forced to confront the realities of war.  In the midst of grief, Sophie and Emma plant the seeds that would evolve into Memorial Day.

A charming story of family, friendship, and community.  The story stands out for its accurate portrayal of village life in the North during the Civil War.  Largely spared from the clash of armies, Northern civilians were still exposed to the hardships of war through the absence of their young men.  For the lucky families, their solider came back at the end of the conflict.  Those left behind on the home front where surrounded by the grief experienced by the families of those whose solider would not be coming back home.  These themes are touchingly presented in Shadows of War.  Highly recommend for middle-grade to adult readers.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

To order Shadows of War visit Amazon 

Lincoln Train Museum

Yesterday, I celebrated the 4th of July in Gettysburg, PA doing a book signing at the Lincoln Train Museum.  I had a great time meeting new friends and spending more time with fellow author (and a Licensed Battlefield Guide!) Linda Clark.

Author Linda Clark and me both celebrated the day in festive attire at the Lincoln Train Museum.
(I will be reviewing Linda's books in following blog posts.)

Unable to attend, but still want to get an autographed copy of "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House?  Don't despair, signed copies are on sale now at the Lincoln Train Museum in Gettysburg, PA.

The Lincoln Train Museum

Psychic News Magazine

On sale now in the UK (coming soon to Barnes & Noble in the US) is the July 2015 issue of Psychic News Magazine featuring Leslie Price's article on Abraham Lincoln and Spiritualism and my interview about "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House

Psychic News Magazine

Latest Review

Author Pamela K. Kinney's review of "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House on I Smell Sheep.

Fall of Richmond

Last weekend I had the pleasure to be part of an historic event in Richmond commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Fall of Richmond and Emancipation.  Part of what made the event special was that we were actually re enacting the events hour by hour on the actual days in which they took place.  Even the weather was cooperating and was eerily similar to the weather 150 years ago.  As part of the commemoration the National Park Service designed a Civil War flash mob with  Civil War re enactors gathered at historically significant locations.  For the weekend I played a southern Unionist based on Elizabeth Van Lew.  It was a fun role to play, but at times not easy as at times it was intense dealing with the hostility of the pro-Confederate characters.  I am a person who does not usually like confrontation and at times after engaging in an intense "argument" with the other re enactors I would find myself shaking like a leaf.  I admire the bravery of Elizabeth Van Lew and the Richmond Unionists for following the dictates of their conscience in a less than welcoming atmosphere.

I was so thrilled to be wearing a new dress for the event.  Since Elizabeth Van Lew came from a wealthy family, I decided to wear a silk taffeta dress, also I wanted to look my best for the arrival of the Union Army.  (Photograph courtesy of  Lynn Hamilton)

For the first day I was placed in Capitol Square in front of the Virginia State Capitol, a gorgeous location.  It was no longer 2015, but April 2, 1865, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis had just received a note from General Robert E. Lee while sitting in his pew at St. Paul's Episcopal Church that the Army of Northern Virginia could no longer hold onto Petersburg, VA and that the army was now in retreat leaving Richmond vulnerable.  Realizing that the Confederacy could no longer hold onto the Confederate capital, Davis and the Confederate government evacuated the city.  I was accompanied with Rebecca Turner who played an Irish factory worker and Marc Ramsey who played an Confederate officer.  Capitol Square is a gorgeous location with lovely gardens, a beautiful water fountain, and the historic Virginia Washington Monument.  I would address visitors passing by, informing them that I was very excited that the Confederate government was evacuating, how I hated the Confederacy and slavery, and how I helped operate a spy ring in Richmond.  The response from the public was amazing, many were excited to engage in a first person conversation and would talk with me for several minutes.  I expected a few people to be pro-Confederate and against "my" position and activities.  Surprisingly, practically everyone I encountered at this site voiced their approval and admiration.  Comments about how "brave I was" and a few "God bless you" where the typically response.  I was even interviewed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, though for the interview I did break out of character for the moment.

Read the Richmond Times-Dispatch here

Talking to the public with the Virginia State Capitol in the background.  (Photograph taken by James H. Wallace courtesy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch)

To see more images taken by the Richmond Times-Dispatch visit 

Trying to over hear any news about the evacuation of Richmond, but the crowd of spectators was to large.  (Photo courtesy of Richmond National Battlefield Park)

In the evening I participated in illumination tour conducted by the National Park Service.  On the evening of April 2, 1865, evacuating Confederate military officials set fire to munitions, tobacco, and anything else that could supply the Union Army.  Unfortunately, strong winds coming from the James River quickly spread the fire into the commercial district burning nearly 800 buildings and 20 blocks.  With the Confederate government fleeing the city, social order quickly broke and looting occurred.  To commemorate these dramatic events the National Park Service held a special tour with re enactors stationed at important locations connected to the fire and looting.  I was placed in Capitol Square with with Ann Andrus (a poor refugee), Cheryl Dale-Hodges (nurse), Laurel Scott, Debbie Phillips, and Adrienne Robertson (elite women).  The night was beautiful with a stunning, gibbous moon.  As it got darker, projectors illuminated the State Court of Appeals building with flames.  Being a Unionist, I did not find any sympathy with the assembled ladies and I have to admit I got more fire and brimstone as the night went along.  I loudly declared that while I hated the war, I hated slavery more and that I regarding the burning of Richmond as God's purification of the sins of slavery.  From the crowd I occasionally received a hiss or a loud cheer.  We had a special guest during the night as Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and his family took the tour.

As a Unionist I am not mourning the end of the Confederacy in Richmond.  (Photo courtesy of Michael Hamilton)


      
The ladies of the illumination tour.  (Photo courtesy of Richmond National Battlefield Park)

Governor Terry McAuliffe listening to our presentation.  (Photo courtesy of Richmond National Battlefield Park)    

The next day commemorated the arrival of Union forces in Richmond on April 3, 1865.  Symbolically one of the first units to enter the former Confederate capitol were members of the United States Colored Troops.  Upon the Union's arrival in Richmond, Union authorities started to bring law and order back to city with Union troops helping to put out the fires, stopped the looting, and offering rations to starving civilians.  As a Unionist, I welcomed the Union troops stationed to guard the White House of the Confederacy.  The crowds where a little thin due to it being Good Friday, but one of my dreams has always been to re enact at the White House of the Confederacy.  I even had a curious experience.  While standing by the front steps I began to smell pipe/cigar smoke.  I quickly looked around, as I was in a no smoking zone--but there was no one around smoking.  It remained me of the scents I used to smell at the Whaley House.  Who knows, perhaps I was smelling the phantom scents of a Confederate official or a Union officer.

Outside of the White House of the Confederacy with Bonnie Johnson.  I am talking with Robert Gilbert direct descendant of Constance Cary for more about Constance read my earlier post  (Photo courtesy of Hillary Turner)

Another image outside the White House of the Confederacy with Adrienne Roberston.  (Photo courtesy of Charles LeCount)

On Saturday, the last day of the commemoration I returned to the Capitol Square where a procession of USCT's commemorated the arrival of Union troops on April 3, 1865.  Naturally, as a Unionist I was overjoyed to see Union soldiers marching down the streets of Richmond and brought flowers to give to the soldiers.  Following the procession, there was a ceremony on the steps of the capitol commemorating the 150th anniversary of Emancipation in Richmond.  The event concluded with an afternoon of living history, speakers, and historic displays.

Handing flowers to Union soldiers.  (Photo taken by Joe Mahoney courtesy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch)

 This image was reprinted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sunday!  (Photo taken by Joe Mahoney courtesy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Read the article here

This was a once and a lifetime event and it was such an honor to participate.  

With Tom Karow and Marc Ramsey.  (Photo courtesy of Michael Hamilton)

Of course, how can you turn up the chance to pose on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol?  (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Robertson)


    

"Ancient Aliens" to cover Civil War

When History's Ancient Aliens returns on April 10, the new season will premiere with "Aliens and the Civil War."  According the official episode description on History.com: "The Civil War nearly destroyed the great experiment known as the United States of America, but it is possible that the preservation of the republic was influenced by extraterrestrial beings?  Abraham Lincoln described strange visions and premonitions that occur before pivotal moments in his presidency.  Union officer Ambrose Bierce wrote about mysterious disappearances and inter-dimensional travel.  And a ghostly image of George Washington was witnessed by hundreds of soldiers at Gettysburg--prompting an official investigation.  Is it possible that extraterrestrials were present during the Civil War?  If so, were they simply passive observers waiting to see if our fragile democracy could survive this test?  Or did they take an active roll in order to preserve the Union?"

     (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
I am looking forward to watching the episode when it airs, as the show has been one of my favorite guilty pleasures since the first special aired in 2009.  I am especially curious how the show deals with the numerous visions President Abraham Lincoln had, a topic I discuss in depth in my book "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House.  
I will be following this episode closely and will share my thoughts here after the show airs on April 10, 2015.
Ancient Aliens
"I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House