The nation’s 16th chief executive was portrayed by James Sayre, a noted scholar and performer affiliated with Kentucky Chautauqua, a form of living history in which scholars portray significant historical figures.
“Lincoln” first visited the island in Feb. 2002 as portrayed by Dr. Harry Fritz, in an event that was also sponsored by the NMI Humanities Council.
Sayre, who is visiting the CNMI for the first time through a “We the People” grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, entertained the audience on Tuesday evening by recounting interesting stories using Lincoln’s own words, telling how his Kentuckian roots influenced his presidency, answering questions from the audience and cracking jokes and mimicking Lincoln’s humor.
Sayre told the Variety in an interview that he enjoys his job of trotting around the country as “President Lincoln.”
“It’s a very enjoyable work. I get to travel to all places and meet all sorts of interesting people,” Sayre said.
On a side note, Sayre said he has always maintained his beard since he started portrating “President Lincoln” in the 1990s.
He arrived on Saipan last Saturday and will be leaving early on Sunday.
“The island is very beautiful. I went around meeting students in different schools, and we will also be going to Tinian and Rota,” Sayre said.
Guests also got a chance to pose for souvenir photos with Sayre after the show. Sayre’s visit is part of the celebration of the Humanities Month.
Sayre lives in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. He retired as transportation manager of Lawrenceburg Transfer. After his release from the Army in 1959, he entered a Lincoln look-alike contest which ignited his interest in the president, and since then, he has portrayed him in many states.
The Kentucky Humanities Council, a statewide source for Chautauqua, provides funding for over 400 public humanities programs which reaches into every corner of the commonwealth.
For more information about the NMI Humanities Council, call 235-4785 or visit www.nmihumanities.org.
