Cowpens Remembrance January 14, 2027
Abigail Adams Portrayed by Leslie Goddard
She is remembered as the wife of America’s second president, John Adams, and the mother of our sixth president, John Quincy Adams. But Abigail Adams was a formidable figure in her own right. Feisty and outspoken, she immersed herself in the politics of her day, supporting American independence, the abolition of slavery and expanded rights for women. During her husband’s frequent absences from home, she ran their farm and invested wisely, building the family’s financial security. Her steadfast support and shrewd advice throughout John’s political career prompted John to call her the “best, dearest, worthiest, wisest friend in this World.” Hundreds of her letters survive, spanning a wide spectrum of political and personal subjects. Witty and insightful, these letters give us a unique window into life in the early American republic and the thoughts of a remarkable woman.
Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., is a historian, author, actress, and lecturer known nationally for her work bringing women’s history alive. Her repertoire of famous women includes Abigail Adams, Amelia Earhart, Bette Davis, Georgia O’Keeffe, Clara Barton and Lucille Ball. Her portrayals have been seen by audiences in more than 35 states. A lifelong resident of Illinois, she spent more than a decade working as a museum educator and exhibit developer before founding her own business as a full-time solo performer, scholar and lecturer. She is the author of three books on Chicago history: Remembering Marshall Field’s, Lost Chicago Department Stores and Chicago’s Sweet Candy History. She graduated from Stanford University and holds a master’s degree in theater from the University of Illinois as well as an interdisciplinary Ph.D. from Northwestern University.