LUSK – Whispering, giggles and fascination followed Abraham Lincoln through the cafeteria at Lusk Elementary and Middle School. From his beautiful top hat to his size 14 shoes, Abe commanded the attention of all the students. Then he crouched down, slid onto the bench of a cafeteria table and entered the world of those kids.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States and also known as John Voehl visited LEMS and the Niobrara County High School, presenting information on the constitution of the United States and offering anecdotes about his life both before and during his presidency. 

He sat at a cafeteria table with students and patiently answered questions about everything from his hat to his beard to his favorite food. All the while skillfully weaving in historical facts and information about the foundations of our country at a level that second and third graders could understand. Never breaking character, he sat tall with his top hat unless he was leaning closer to be sure he could hear a child’s questions.

John Voehl has been doing Abraham Lincoln presentations since 1997. He does short one-man plays on the life of Lincoln in addition to the history lessons like the one he presented to the students of NCHS and at the library for the public. This year’s presentation focused mainly on the constitution, constitutional convention and its impact on our country particularly during Lincoln’s presidency.

Using a mixture of informal language and formal gestures John Voehl brings both “Honest Abe” and United States’ history to life. He was accompanied by his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln (also known as Pamela Voehl) who provided her own perspective on history and her life as a first lady.

First introduced to the world of historical presenter by playing Lincoln in a skit in 1994, he was just as surprised as everyone else to realize how closely he resembled this beloved President when he trimmed his beard and donned period-appropriate clothing. After some research he became passionate about using his acting skills to educate and entertain his audiences about the history of the U.S. and the life and philosophies of Abraham Lincoln. 

Unlike many historical re-enactors, Voehl is not stiffly confined to the character that he portrays. Unless it is one of his scripted skits, Voehl is fluid throughout his presentation and while he maintains the “first person” perspective of his persona, he is willing to take questions and interact with the audience to ensure they are engaged and interested. He shows a particular patience for the interruptions of inquiring young minds and encouraged his younger audience members to ask questions during his library presentation, even telling a funny anecdote involving goats in the Whitehouse specifically to entertain the kids present.

Voehl’s passion for historical accuracy and to pass on the lessons learned from history are evident in his commitment to his dress and manner as well as the copies of historical documents and maps that he brings with him for his presentation to reference. This year’s presentation at the library was based on Lincoln’s perspective and use of the constitution during his presidency. As Voehl states, “He swore to uphold the United States constitution, struggled with what it said of slavery, and stretched it to the limits to save it.”

His presentation started with a brief overview of the American Revolution and Articles of Confederation and then picked up during the Constitutional Convention and the conflicts, forces and outcomes of the drafting of that document including how it would impact and be used by Lincoln to govern the United States and his actions before and during the Civil War. 

Voehl was brought to the community by the Niobrara Republicans and the Niobrara County Library.