Bob O’Connor will make a presentation entitled Harriet Lane -The First Lady of Washington at Renfrew Museum and Park on Sunday, June 10 at 2 pm. The 45-minute program will consist of the history of Harriet Lane and her ties to the Pennsylvania area and her impact in Washington. Lane was the niece of James Buchanan who served as the 15th President of the United States. Since Buchanan wasn’t married Lane served as the official hostess for the White House during his Presidential term.
O’Connor, who lives in Charles Town, WV, is an historian who travels and shares his passion for history. While serving as Director of Tourism in Washington County, Maryland O’Connor became involved in touring historical sites such as Antietam Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. He shares Civil War history with groups of all ages and travels cross country to make presentations.
O’Connor’s interest in history was sparked on a 1958 trip to Galesburg, IL where he attended the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Carl Sandburg was the featured speaker. O’Connor worked full-time and part-time as a newspaper reporter, and at various jobs — many that required writing press releases, news articles, or reports. He published his first article when he was in 7th grade – in an Illinois Historical Society for junior high students.
The Harriet Lane presentation is free to the public and will take place in the Wagon Shed Room located inside the Visitors Center. O’Connor will have his books for sale. To learn more about O’Connor please visit his webpage at www.boboconnorbooks.com. For a complete listing of Renfrew Museum and Park’s calendar of events please visit www.renfrewmuseum.org.