Elizabeth Keckley

Elizabeth Keckley was a remarkable woman whose life story embodies resilience and creativity. Born in 1818 in Virginia, she was enslaved as a child but eventually bought her freedom through her exceptional talent as a seamstress. Moving to Washington, D.C., she became well-known in elite circles, even becoming the dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Keckley’s experiences gave her a unique perspective on the struggles of African Americans during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.

In addition to her work as a seamstress, Keckley authored the poignant memoir "Behind the Scenes, or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House," where she chronicles her life from slavery to her time in the Lincoln household. Her writing offers valuable insights into the personal and political climate of her time. If you're curious about her incredible journey and the rich history she lived through, you'll find her works in this app, inviting you to explore her voice and the stories she has to share.