Behind the Scenes

This memoir recounts Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley's extraordinary life from slavery to becoming Mary Todd Lincoln's confidante. Behind the Scenes offers a unique perspective on Civil War-era America.

In Behind the Scenes, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley shares her remarkable journey from slavery to prominence in Washington, D.C. Written in a conversational, first-person narrative, this memoir offers a personal testimony of her life as a dressmaker and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln during the tumultuous Civil War era. Keckley provides a unique perspective on the intricacies of African American networks and the political landscape of the time, revealing how she navigated her way through adversity to achieve respect and success.

Born into slavery around 1824, Keckley began her career as a modiste in St. Louis, where her talent for design allowed her to eventually purchase her freedom. Moving to the capital, she became a sought-after dressmaker for the political elite, including the First Lady herself. Her relationship with Mary Todd Lincoln deepens throughout the narrative, showcasing intimate moments of joy and sorrow, including the heart-wrenching grief following the loss of the Lincoln's son Willie and the struggles Mary faced after her husband's assassination.

Keckley's influence extended beyond fashion; she was also a prominent figure in the African American community, serving as president of the Contraband Relief Association and forming connections with notable leaders like Frederick Douglass. Her story, as recounted in Behind the Scenes, not only highlights her resilience and resourcefulness but also sheds light on the complex dynamics between black and white communities during a pivotal moment in American history.