NEW Episode: The 1600 Sessions Podcast “Abraham Lincoln, Robert Burns, and the Scottish Connection”
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association released a new episode of the 1600 Sessions podcast today, “Abraham Lincoln, Robert Burns, and the Scottish Connection,” which details the long history of Scottish influence on the White House, dating back to the Scottish stonemasons that contributed to the construction of the Executive Mansion.
In this episode, Association President Stewart McLaurin speaks with Murray Pittock, professor at the University of Glasgow and Ian Houston, president of the Scottish Business Network Americas, about President Abraham Lincoln’s fondness for famed poet Robert Burns and Scottish culture throughout his life. Burns authored “Auld Lang Syne” in the late 18th century and was one of Lincoln’s greatest literary and personal inspirations.
Watch the full video of this podcast episode here.
“It’s pretty likely that Burns’ songs were being sung in the Ohio Valley when Lincoln was there in the 1820s and that he had some acquaintance with the poet earlier,” said Pittock.
“Many of the songs and poetry of Burns were about love and love for other people. I believe that [Lincoln] would have used that poetry as he communicated with Mary [Todd],” said Houston.
The 1600 Sessions is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher.
To hear the full episode, visit The1600sessions.org.
For more information, please contact press@whha.org.
The 1600 Sessions
In this podcast series, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews luminaries, historians, and eyewitnesses to history about America’s most famous residence and office—the White House. Each episode includes a prominent guest or guests to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the PDFAbout the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.