Presidential Historian Larry Cook to Discuss Francis B. Carpenter at Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Presidential Historian Larry Cook to Discuss Francis B. Carpenter at Sam Houston Memorial Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library will welcome nationally recognized presidential historian, award-winning author and political commentator Larry Cook for a presentation on his new book, “Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words,” Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be held in the auditorium of the Katy & E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center.

Cook’s latest book explores the life and work of Francis Bicknell Carpenter, a prominent 19th-century portrait painter whose subjects included presidents, cabinet members, legislators, military leaders and other notable figures of the era. Carpenter is perhaps best known for “First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln,” which remains one of the most recognizable artistic representations of the American Civil War and is displayed in the United States Capitol.

Carpenter also painted Sam Houston, creating a direct connection between the artist’s work and the namesake of Sam Houston State University.

“Francis B. Carpenter painted Sam Houston, but the painting has been lost to time,” Museum Director Derrick Birdsall said. “Perhaps it’ll turn up in someone’s attic.”

Beyond his paintings, Carpenter left behind an extensive diary documenting his professional activities and encounters with many of the political and cultural leaders of his time. “Brushes with History” presents Carpenter’s diary in its entirety, accompanied by a biographical profile that places his experiences within the broader currents of 19th-century American history.

Cook is a nationally recognized presidential historian, author and speaker whose work explores the personal side of the presidency. He previously served as a historical memorabilia consultant to former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, has presented programs for museums and historical organizations across the country and is the namesake of the Larry Cook Historian Center for Presidential Research at the Hoyt Library in Kingston, Pennsylvania.

The event is made possible through a partnership with Lone Star College (LSC) and Cory Colby, professor of political science, system civic engagement and service-learning coordinator and SHSU alumnus (’06, ’10), along with the SHSU College of Education’s Project 250, a U.S. Department of Education-funded initiative.

The program marks the second collaborative learning experience between SHSU and Lone Star College. The institutions previously partnered on a gallery installation at the LSC-Tomball campus depicting the political life of Sam Houston.

About the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is dedicated to preserving Sam Houston's memory and legacy and exploring the history of the Republic of Texas and the people who shaped it.

To learn more about this event and other upcoming programs at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, visit samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com