In 2003, Larry Elliott
entered a Lincoln look-a-like contest in Hodgenville and began reading about
this great man. After an extensive study of his life, I decided to purchase a
complete period-correct Abraham Lincoln costume and began portraying him. In 2005, when he learned that his great,
great, great, grandmother (Mary LaRue Enlow) was the midwife who helped deliver
Abraham Lincoln, I knew this vocation was for me. He and his wife now portray
Abraham and Mary Lincoln in more than 100 schools each year as well as for
other groups. His website is http://www.larrylikelincoln.com/
1. How and/or when did you get you hooked on
history?
I entered a Lincoln lookalike
contest in Hodgenville, KY, where Abraham Lincoln was born. My family is from
Hodgenville. I began reading about A.L. and the Civil War and all that this
great man accomplished. I was hooked and I have been portraying him for 13
years in 100 plus schools a year.
2. What role
does history play or has it played in your personal life?
Making me appreciate all the soldiers in all
of the American Wars that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, especially
WWII and D-Day June 6, 1944.
3. How is history part of your
professional career?
I portray the man that
saved America. America did not truly become America until after the successful
Union victory!
4. Why is
studying/knowing history important?
So we can learn from our past going forward.
5. What is
your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
American Revolutionary
war because it has the Hand of God all over it. The Patriots really had no
chance of winning and defeating the Redcoats. God had a different plan...
6. How did
you and your wife become Abraham and Mary Lincoln?
After I
began portraying A.L. my wife began reading about Mary Todd. We decided to put
together a program about the story of their lives in contrast. They were so
very different people.
7. Why are
Abraham and Mary Lincoln's stories relevant today?
His legacy cannot be
forgotten and Abraham Lincoln would not have become President without Mary
Todd. Also his legacy of his humble roots with one year of education and
becoming a self-made lawyer is an inspiration to all students I meet.
