The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced

Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital (the state mental asylum) in 1860 and was kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. In spite of her husband Theophilus insisting to everyone – her children, extended family, neighbors, friends, and asylum employees – that she was insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. Yet her battle did not stop there. Aware that current law allowed married women to be placed in asylums by their husbands without a trial or medical examination, Elizabeth campaigned to change that unjust law.

Actress Laura Keyes will portray Elizabeth Packard during April 1864, in the midst of both the Civil War and Packard's own private war.

Registration is required to receive a Zoom link for this program. Register online below, by calling 309.590.6168, or by visiting the Help Desk on the Library's second floor.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Sara at reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.

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About the Author: Keyes graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies and is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters. She recently won the Excellence in Performing Award from that Association.