Embedded Files
Two Important Presidential Assassinations
That Changed America
COST
To high schools and middle schools, either presentation is free (distance may require a small traveling expense). For community members or groups, I do charge a small fee. The fee is determined by distance, audience size, and time.
Lincoln Assassination (around 60 minutes - can be cut shorter if needed)
The presentation delves into one of the most pivotal and tragic events in American history—the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. This moment not only shocked the nation but also dramatically altered the course of the United States during a crucial time of rebuilding and healing after the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was a leader who guided the nation through its most divisive and devastating conflict, ultimately preserving the Union and paving the way for the abolition of slavery. But on the evening of April 14, 1865, just days after the Confederacy’s surrender, Lincoln’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
In this presentation, we will explore:
The Context: The state of the nation in 1865, the end of the Civil War, and Lincoln’s vision for the future of the United States.
The Conspiracy: The details of the plot to assassinate Lincoln, including the motives and backgrounds of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators.
The Assassination: A step-by-step recounting of the events on that fateful night at Ford’s Theatre.
The Aftermath: The immediate reaction of the nation, the pursuit and capture of Booth, and the long-term impact on the country and its leadership.
As we journey through this dark chapter in American history, we’ll reflect on the profound legacy of Abraham Lincoln—a man whose leadership and vision continue to shape the United States today. The story of his assassination is not just about the end of life but also about the enduring fight for the values and ideals that Lincoln stood for.
Mr. Beam started researching the election of 1860 while in college. This led to years of research on the events of that April day in 1865. His presentation uses photos, text, recordings, and even a video or two to deliver one angle of the assassination. He aims to teach young students to be critical listeners and pick out fact vs. opinion. After the presentation, one person will be singled out, yet many unanswered questions will be left for students to reflect on. Here are a few topics that are included in the presentation.
Lincoln Assassination
Some Highlights
The original plan was to kidnap Lincoln.
John Wilkes Booth had several opportunities to kill Lincoln.
Several attempts were made on Lincoln’s life.
There was a plot to blow up the White House.
Mary Surratt was the first woman to be executed by the Federal Government.
Booth attempted to meet with Andrew Johnson on the day of the assassination.
The celebrated hero who killed Booth is buried in Kansas.
There were other assassination attempts on others the same night.
Lincoln requested a special guard that night but was denied.
Grant was requested to attend with Lincoln to Ford’s theater, but he declined.
The officer that was assigned to guard Lincoln was chosen by Mrs. Lincoln.
Lincoln died in a bed that Booth often slept in.
Booth kept a diary but was not admitted during the military tribunal.
The military tribunal was declared unconstitutional years later.
Major Rathbone (in the balcony with Lincoln) killed his wife and children later and died in an insane asylum.
John Surratt (involved in the plot) was allowed to leave the country.
Todd Lincoln (son of President Lincoln) said he had proof a cabinet member was involved, but the papers were destroyed upon Todd's death.
1961, a coded message was broken that there were over 50 people involved in the assassination.
A teacher can purchase my PPT for the Lincoln Assassination (83 slides with some audio and video).
John F. Kennedy Assassination (2 to 3 hours in length - can be divided into multiple presentations to fit a time block)
The presentation will discuss one of the most shocking and profoundly impactful events in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This tragic event, which occurred on November 22, 1963, not only took the life of a beloved leader but also left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the nation and the world.
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was a charismatic leader who inspired a generation with his vision for a "New Frontier," which promised progress in civil rights, space exploration, and global diplomacy. However, his presidency was abruptly and violently cut short on a sunny afternoon in Dallas, Texas, when he was struck down by an assassin's bullet while riding in a motorcade.
In this presentation, we will explore:
The Context: The political and social climate of the early 1960s and Kennedy’s role as a leader during intense Cold War tensions and domestic change.
The Assassination: A detailed account of the events that unfolded on November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza, including the key figures, locations, and timeline of the shooting.
The Aftermath: The immediate shock and grief that gripped the nation, the swift transition of power to Lyndon B. Johnson, and the funeral that united Americans in mourning.
The Investigation: The various investigations that followed, including the Warren Commission, the controversies, and the numerous theories that continue to surround Kennedy’s death.
The Legacy: The lasting impact of JFK’s assassination on American politics, culture, and the collective memory of the nation.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains one of the most studied and debated events in modern history, not only because of its devastating impact but also because of the many questions that still linger more than six decades later. As we revisit this momentous event, we will reflect on the life and legacy of a president who continues to inspire and challenge us to think about the future of our country.
Mr. Beam has done a great deal of research on the topic. As a history teacher, he invited a national speaker to his classroom for many years. When the national speaker moved out of state, Mr. Beam used his material and merged it with his own, like the Lincoln Assassination presentation. The goal is to create critical listeners to determine fact vs opinion. Here are a few topics that are included in the presentation.
JFK Assassination
Some Highlights
One source is Brian Edwards, author of “Beyond the Fence Line”
A month before JFK arrived in Dallas, LBJ was spit at during his visit.
JFK refused a bulletproof top and called his own assassination before arriving in Dallas.
The map of the motorcade was printed in the newspaper before his arrival.
There were three copies of the Zapruder film.
51 Witnesses claimed they heard a shot from the Grassy Knoll
It was against Texas law for the Secret Service to take JFK's body from Parkland Hospital.
There were two caskets on Air Force 1. Three total by the time he was buried.
JFK's brain is missing.
Oswald was in Russia when the U-2 plane with Gary Powers was shot down. Oswald was previously stationed in Japan, where U-2 flights took place.
Oswald's nickname in the military was Oswaldskovich.
The US government did not interview Oswald when he returned to the States after denouncing his citizenship.
Oswald was allowed to bring his wife to America even though she was the daughter of a high-ranking Russian officer.
The FBI visited Oswald several times before the assassination.
Officer Tibbets's police car was outside Oswald's home honking before being killed shortly after the assassination.
Actress Karin Kupcient (father friend of Jack Ruby, who killed Oswald) called 2 days before to say the President would be killed. Two days after the assassination, she was found dead.
We will discuss other deaths that follow the assassination.
The presentation includes the actual Life Magazine showing Oswald with the rifle.
Much more!
While a very brief presentation can take place during a class hour, the best presentation lasts between 2 and 3 hours. During that time, Mr. Beam will use teaching strategies for schools to help keep students engaged.
A teacher can purchase my PPT for the Kennedy Assassination. This PPT is fluid as more material surfaces. It includes photos, videos, and more.
Resources include study guides outlining the presentation as well as resources for additional information.
Contact: Alan helps keep students engaged. abeam1958@gmail.com or call 785-408-2441
For High Schools, the presentation includes various teaching strategies, allowing students to discuss the topic..
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