Decatur House

Students perform a scene from the play, "Paths to Freedom."

A few brave ladies take on the challenge of playing male roles in the play!

A student pauses at the window to silently rehearse his lines.

This special program allows classes that participated in our Lincoln academic program to further their knowledge of Lincoln's presidency. In the classroom, students examine the catalysts of the Civil War and its outcomes. They summarize Lincoln's early life and then consider his presidency in relation to Emancipation. At the Stephen Decatur House, students dress in period costumes and film a play centered on the day Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Students receive their roles and lines after the academic program so they have time to practice and memorize their parts. The Decatur House edits the video and students later enjoy a screening of their performance at school.