Matthew Algeo, the author of Abe & Fido: Lincoln's Love of Animals and the Touching Story of His Favorite Canine Companion will be our special guest on Friday evening, April 12, 2024, in Union Theater.
Matthew Algeo writes, “In early 1861, as he prepared to leave his home in Springfield, Illinois, to move into the White House, Abraham Lincoln faced many momentous tasks, but none he dreaded more than telling his two youngest sons, Willie and Tad, that the family’s beloved pet dog, Fido, would not be accompanying them to Washington. Lincoln was afraid the skittish dog couldn’t endure the long rail journey, so he decided to leave the mutt behind with friends in Springfield.”
You’ll be touched by the heartfelt story of Abe & Fido – an unlikely pair of friends, who each became famous and died prematurely. Plus, Matthew Algeo will take a closer look at what Springfield was like in the years leading up to the Civil War, along with Lincoln’s sometimes radical views on animal welfare and how they shaped his life and his presidency.
This is a free program, but advance registration is required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program begins at 7:00 p.m.
You can also purchase a copy of the book in advance that will be autographed by Matthew Algeo during a special meet n’ greet following the program. Copies are limited, so be sure to get your copy now!
You'll also learn more about the Fido Project from the Springfield Art Association. The project features a series of bronze puppies inspired by Lincoln’s dog installed in the downtown neighborhood as a wayfinding initiative to hunt for the puppies on your way around downtown.
We also encourage attendees to bring a donation for the Animal Protective League (APL) of Springfield. The APL is dedicated to caring for ill, injured and abused homeless animals and coordinating the adoption of those animals by responsible pet owners.
For a list of items needed by the APL, please click HERE.
And don't forget to check out our website events calendar to learn about "Bark in the Park with Mr. Lincoln" on Saturday, April 13!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matthew Algeo is an award-winning journalist and author. He has reported from four continents for NPR News and is the author of seven books. His 2009 book Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip was named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post.
In addition to reporting and writing, Algeo has held jobs as a convenience store clerk, a gas station attendant, a Halloween costume salesman, and a proofreader. He also worked in a traveling circus (as a hot dog vendor; no acrobatics involved).
Algeo holds a degree in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania.
His wife, Allyson, is a United States Foreign Service officer .They have been posted to Bamako, Rome, Ulaanbaatar, Maputo, and Sarajevo. They currently live in Arlington, Virginia with their daughter, Zaya—but will be moving to Botswana in July!
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