New DATE: Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The bestselling George Saunders novel “Lincoln in the Bardo” sets the scene for this walking tour through historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown. The stories of President Lincoln in the Carroll family mausoleum holding his dead son Willie in his lap and enveloping him in hugs and torrential tears are heart wrenching. By most accounts, the loss of his son had devastating and lasting effects on the President. Curious onlookers, stuck in the bardo, or the Buddhist state of existence between death and rebirth, gathered around to receive the young Lincoln to their midst, and unusual conversations ensued.
Join Andrea Seiger and John Dean, author and photographer of “111 Places in Washington That You Must Not Miss” guidebook for a walk in this elegant and peaceful cemetery. We will step back to February 1862, when Willie Lincoln succumbed to typhoid fever, and to the stories from the White House and around the city from that time. The novel’s fictitious characters will be woven in as we visit with actual residents of the cemetery who preceded Willie Lincoln in death, and who may have been there to welcome his arrival among them. The cemetery may hold a few earthly surprises as well...
“Cemeteries are great places to take photos,” says John, so bring your camera, whether a 35mm SLR or a cell phone and learn some of his tips on capturing the best shots in this environment and light.
Please note: The walk will be about 1 mile on some uneven, rather steep, terrain that dips down to Rock Creek and back up. Please wear appropriate treaded shoes for uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. is SOLD OUT
New Date Added: Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Know Before You Go
Meeting place: Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown: https://www.oakhillcemeterydc.org/
We will meet at the entrance to Oak Hill Cemetery, R St at 30th St NW. Take metro to Dupont Circle, Q Street exit, or 30-buses along Wisconsin Avenue, and walk 7-10 minutes. There is some street parking nearby, but allow time to find it and walk to the cemetery.
Preparation for the Walk: Dress in comfortable clothing and be prepared for slow walking and stone steps with some hill climbing. Bring rain gear if showers are expected.
Weather Policy: We will go ahead in light intermittent rain but will cancel if steady heavy rain is in the forecast.
Registration Limited to 20 people.
Please let us know any questions at: classes@politics-prose.com
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