The Lincoln Funeral Train Through the Hudson Valley and the Transformation of Abraham Lincoln

Saturday, August 23, 3:00 p.m.

Historical Society of Woodstock, 20 Comeau Dr., Woodstock NY 12498

the Historical Society of Woodstock

a talk by Woodstock Town Historian Richard Heppner on the Lincoln funeral train through the Hudson Valley.

Admission: Free

In April of 1865, the Lincoln funeral train moved up the east coast, through the Hudson Valley, and into history. Offering an account of how the news of the assassination was greeted locally as well as detailed descriptions of the train as it traveled up the Hudson River, historian Richard Heppner will explore the ceremonies and emotions that awaited the train’s passing on both sides of the Hudson. In doing so, he will also examine the seeds of transformation that were sewn during that fateful journey from Washington to Springfield, Illinois; a transformation that elevated the slain President’s legacy far beyond what it was in life and secured for the 16th president the honored place he forever holds in the collective memory of our nation.

Richard Heppner has served as Woodstock Town Historian since 2021 and, in addition to his many talks on local history, has written extensively on the history of Woodstock and our region. His most recent book, Woodstock – From World War to Cultures Wars was the recipient of the Bronze Medal from the Indies Book of the Year Award in Popular Culture. In addition, he is the author of Woodstock’s Infamous Murder Trial exploring racial injustice in upstate New York.

The Historical Society of Woodstock is located at 20 Comeau Drive in Woodstock. For those who are able, parking is also available in the Lower Comeau parking lot where you can take the path up to the Society at the end of the lot.

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