The Civil War Roundtable group will meet Thursday, commencing at 7 p.m. in the media center of Albert Lea’s Southwest Middle School. The topic is “Lincoln’s Unknown Private Life,” culled from a book published some time ago, and generally known to Lincoln scholars rather than the general public.  It is a marvelous oral history by Abe and Mary Lincoln’s African-American housekeeper, Mariah Vance, from 1850 to 1860.  The book has been praised by several Lincoln scholars as “the Rosetta Stone of Abe and Mary Lincoln’s domestic life” leading up to his presidency. There will be a brief discussion open to questions following the presentation and the traditional drawing for at least one free book topical of the Civil War for attendees. The event as with others is open and free to the public.

Rick Mammel

Albert Lea