Honest Abe and wife stop by Bensonhurst

Brooklynites witnessed history on the evening of Tuesday, February 10 at the New Utrecht Reform Church Parish House in Bensonhurst as Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln appeared together in conversation before an audience of approximately 25 people.

Well – almost real history.

The Lincolns were portrayed by Robert Costello and Cheryl Mustachio in a free, open-to-the-public yearly event sponsored by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht (FHNU). The program provided a unique perspective of Lincoln’s career and presidency, focusing on the final year of commemorating the 150th Civil War anniversary.

Earlier that day, the Lincolns met over 600 elementary school students in a morning program at New Utrecht High School, also sponsored by FHNU.

Costello has appeared as Lincoln for numerous years before adult and student audiences for a variety of historical organizations, while Mustachio has appeared as Mrs. Lincoln, speaking to schools and civic groups at re-enactments, since 2009.

According to David Elligers, president of FHNU, the group’s annual February program – timed for Presidents Day — alternates yearly between a Lincoln performer early in the month and a George Washington performer later in the month.

“We were delighted,” said Elligers. “There’s always a problem when one person is presenting a historical figure. It’s a little static. Having two people going back and forth discussing their relationship is terrific. It’s very good in this kind of context.”

The 35-40 minute discussion was followed by a Q-and-A with the audience that the Lincolns answered both in and out of character concerning topics like Lincoln’s IQ level and presidential salary. They also fielded a question as to whether he’d be memorialized to the extent he is now if not for his assassination.

“I think it went very well – a nice crowd with all great questions,” said Mustachio.

“We’re very appreciative of all of those that came out in this cold weather,” said Costello.
Crowd members weren’t disappointed.

“Even though I knew he was an actor, to see him appear to be Lincoln and talk like Lincoln and have all this knowledge in a place that itself is very old, I felt like I was really listening to Lincoln,” said Josh Pesin, an audience member who has brought his 11 year-old son Hunter – who shares Lincoln’s birthday – three of the last five years.

“I think it’s a great presentation and more people should participate in this,” said John Bottalico.

“It should be very good for students, something to get them more in contact in what was the struggle, hardship that Abe Lincoln had, [his] enemies and find out what history is.”