Written by Kayla Fleming
On Thursday, September 22, LEAP students had the opportunity to hear renowned historian Dr. Larry Cook speak on the historical insights hidden within Francis B. Carpenter’s personal artifacts. Hosted at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and presented by Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, the event was deeply enriching, featuring historical artifacts that had never been seen by the public.
Following an introduction by Director Birdsall, Dr. Cook shared his background in Texas and his path to becoming a full-time historian, author, and political commentator. Drawing from his third book, Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words, Dr. Cook was witty, energetic, and engaging.
One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning about Carpenter—an artist most famous for what he called “The Great Painting,” depicting President Lincoln’s first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation—and how his journals are helping historians’ nationwide piece together the past with greater clarity. His writings offer key insights into major historical figures due to his time living in the White House under both President Pierce and President Lincoln. His time in the capital also allowed him to paint prominent senators and political figures, most notably Sam Houston.
As an SHSU student, I was particularly interested in his notes on Sam Houston. Carpenter recorded that Houston spoke with a noticeable drawl—a detail rarely mentioned in other historical records. Afterward, Director Birdsall revealed to LEAP students that Carpenter also noted how Houston ate nothing but bread and milk while staying in hotels, as the smell of hotel kitchens made him ill.
Dr. Cook masterfully wove historical details into an entertaining narrative. He was funny, sharp, and deeply insightful regarding who Carpenter was as a person. In closing, Dr. Cook remarked, “We all live in history, but Carpenter was different—he seemed to know it.”
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum hosted an exceptional event thanks to the staff’s dedication and Dr. Cook’s captivating presentation. His words inspired the audience to brush up on their history and take a closer look at Francis B. Carpenter, who not only “documented history with his paintbrush, but with his pen”—a discipline that remains strikingly relevant in how we record our world today.
