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Affairs of State: Romance in the Lives of U.S. Presidents

With Valerie Gugala

Come learn about the lives and loves of U.S. Presidents in this presentation!

Whether happy, tragic, or scandalous, love and romance have found their way into the Oval Office as long as the presidency has existed! In this program, we'll be discussing figures such as John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, and more! In “Affairs of State,” we delve into the private lives of U.S. presidents, uncovering the passions, and enduring love stories that have shaped the course of history. “Affairs of State” offers a compelling look at the human side of the presidency and the enduring power of love in the political arena.

About the Presenter: Valerie Gugala is a scholar and actor focused on teaching American history by giving speeches and lectures as Mary Todd Lincoln. She has been studying the Lincoln Family for more than 50 years. She has performed at The Lincoln Home National Historic Site (one of only 4 women who have done so), and has spoken to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum volunteers. Her interest in the Lincolns led her to an interest in the Presidents, First Ladies, and their families. She and her husband have traveled to many Presidential Libraries across the country, and have a goal of visiting all of them in the next few years.

She has done primary source research at the Chicago Historical Society, the Illinois State Historical Library, and the Batavia Depot Museum, among other places & has used these family letters, court documents, and period newspapers to write her performance & lecture outlines. Over the last 25 years, she has spoken at libraries, schools, churches, senior groups, and park districts throughout the country. She loves to share her knowledge of and enthusiasm for our country’s history with audiences.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Charles County Public Library.

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