Kennedy portrayed in program at library

While nibbling on ham sandwiches and sipping large cups of coffee, more than 80 people were treated to the story of Jacqueline Kennedy as it came to life courtesy of actress and historian Leslie Goddard.

The Norman C. Huntley Meeting room was packed Tuesday at the St. Charles Public Library for the semiannual Fascinating Women in History Series. One librarian said Goddard was booked well in advance of this year’s 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Goddard, who was performing her 208th show this year, specializes in history lectures and first-person portrayals. She has a doctoral degree specializing in American studies and U.S. history, and master’s degrees in theater and museum studies, all from Northwestern University.

Goddard also portrays Clara Barton (American Red Cross founder), Abigail Adams (wife of President John Adams), Titanic stewardess Violet Jessop, Mary Chesnut (famous for her Civil War diaries) and Bertha Palmer (businesswoman and philanthropist).

To see Goddard’s upcoming schedule, visit her website.