Friday, April 11, presents a unique opportunity for families and individuals alike to step back in time and experience “An Evening with President Lincoln” at the Columns Museum on Broad Street, Milford, at 7 pm.

Darren Fouse will portray Abraham Lincoln and one can hear his own thoughts regarding the dreams he had of his impending assassination.
 
Fouse is an 11 year resident of Milford with a broad range of experience in theater and films. He studied in France with Niels Arestrup in the theatrical school of Ecole de Passage and worked as an actor in many French sitcoms and television commercials. He has performed in New York City Theater productions as well as independent and industrial films. “An Evening with President Lincoln”, performed by Darren Fouse is certain to be a unique and entertaining experience.
 
A musical recital by the well known jazz artist, Martha Lorin, and her accompanist will be followed by a reception and food prepared by Chef Christian. A reservation and $25 per person will afford you an evening’s entertainment not to be forgotten.
 
On the fateful night of Good Friday, April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his party attended a performance of “Our American Cousin” at the famous Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C.  The Presidents Box had been decorated with flags for this special occasion and he was greeted with great applause from the audience as he entered.

While the President watched the play and laughed lightheartedly at the actors on stage, John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor of the day and a southern sympathizer, entered the box with murder in his heart and mind and with one shot to the back of the President’s head, altered the course of American History. As the President lay mortally wounded, his head was cradled by the American Flag that had draped the banister in front of him. This flag still bearing the grim stain of a long-passed tragedy, hangs encased in a place of honor at Milford’s very own: “The Columns Museum.”
 
The weekend events begin with a reception on the evening of April 11th and continue practically non stop through a weekend filled with historical activities taking place at the Pike County Historical Society’s “Columns Museum” on Broad Street, Milford, Pa. On Saturday, the 56th NY Civil War re-enactors will make camp around the Museum and demonstrate how soldiers drilled and lived on the battlefields while serving their country. Throughout the day, the Ladies of the 56th NY will present various aspects of the Civil War woman’s life and the customs of the day.

On Sunday a replication of Lincoln’s funeral will begin at Stroyan’s Funeral Home on Harford Street. A horse drawn hearse bearing a replica coffin will proceed to the Columns Museum where an Honor Guard will place the coffin in the Lincoln Room. A brief ceremony will take place with the American Theatre Readers reading two eulogies and vocalist, Jacqueline Kroschel, singing several period songs in honor to the President. The coffin will lie in state for a period of two weeks between the Lincoln Flag and the Stars and Stripes gown belonging to Jeannie Gourlay Struthers.
 
Richard Sloan will follow with a fascinating account of the lives and careers of Jeannie Gourlay and William Withers. The American Theatre Readers, under the direction of Jeffery Stocker, will present readings of letters written by eye-witnesses to the assassination and by members of the Gourlay family. With so many historical happenings to attend, the weekend will be one of fun for all, and best of all, there is no charge for entry to the museum for any Saturday or Sunday event.