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Lincoln scholar to host tours, present ‘Lincoln and the Occult’ program at RCHS
Steven-Rogstad
Rogstad

JANESVILLE — Author and Lincoln scholar Steven K. Rogstad will explore a little-known aspect of Lincoln’s life in a session titled “Lincoln and the Occult” on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Rock County Historical Society’s (RCHS) Tallman Carriage House, 450 N. Jackson Street in Janesville. A series of Lincoln-focused tours of Lincoln-Tallman House led by Rogstad are also planned for earlier that same day.

Rogstad’s research shows that Abraham and Mary Lincoln were both superstitious individuals, each of whom suffered through the deaths of numerous friends and family members. Both had experiences with dreams, omens, and portents of future events. 

“While Mary Lincoln developed a strong and passionate belief in the Spiritualism movement during the Civil War, Lincoln made efforts to deepen his faith in Christianity, while still attending several seances and meeting with noted psychics and mediums in the White House,” Rogstad said. “Those who were around Lincoln during the final months of his life became convinced that he saw the end of his life coming and was given supernatural signs of it.”

In addition to the presentations, on Oct. 5 only, Rogstad will lead specialty tours of the Lincoln-Tallman House, focusing on little-known facts about Lincoln. These one-day-only tours offer the opportunity for the public to learn about the mansion from one of the state’s pre-eminent Lincoln scholars. 

Rogstad is nationally known for his scholarship in Lincoln studies. His most recent book title is “Lincoln Among the Badgers: Rediscovering Sites Associated with Abraham Lincoln in Wisconsin”. A Racine native, Rogstad currently serves as Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Historical Society. In addition to writing and editing, Rogstad has taught seminars and courses on Lincoln-related topics at the UW-Parkside, Carroll College, the Kenosha Civil War Museum and other educational institutions.

Tours, which are limited to 15 people, will run at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Each tour includes a copy of Rogstad’s Lincoln among the Badgers book. Tour tickets are $30. Reservations, which are encouraged, may be made by calling the RCHS at 608-756-4509.  

Tickets for the presentations are $20 and available on Oct. 5 at the RCHS. To reserve a spot at the presentation, please call the RCHS at 608-756-4509.