Behind the Scenes in the Lincoln White House

"Behind the Scenes" chronicles the remarkable journey of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a former slave who became a prominent dressmaker and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln during the Civil War. After enduring a life of hardship and abuse, Keckley purchased her freedom and established a successful business in Washington DC, where her remarkable sewing skills attracted the attention of the First Lady. Their deep friendship flourished over six years, but Keckley's decision to publish her memoirs in an attempt to help Lincoln ultimately led to a devastating fallout, leaving her isolated and destitute.