Marlene Rivero presents "Elizabeth Keckley: White Man's Gold, The Seamstress"

Elizabeth Keckley, portrayed in this presentation by storyteller and actor Marlene Rivero, is best remembered today as the seamstress, friend, and confidante of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.  In fact, she was that and much more: a highly accomplished, multi-dimensional person with a wide range of experience and a strong sense of self-reliance.

Marlene Rivero began her career as a historic storyteller in 1999 as a first-person heritage interpreter with the Forest Service.  She later became lead heritage interpreter/trainer for the agency in African American interpretation and presentations.

Partially funded with a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholars Program.