(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Feb. 8, 2019) - - - Zacharie Kinslow, museum educator of the James K. Polk Home and Museum and Columbia State alumnus, will present “Sarah Polk: A Sweet Exemplification of Lowliness” March 12 in the Columbia State Community College Ledbetter Auditorium.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Zach back on campus to deliver this presentation,” said Dr. Barry Gidcomb, Columbia State professor of history. “He is currently completing his master’s degree in history at Austin Peay State University and has been an indispensable member of the Polk Home and Museum staff for many years. We are very proud of what Zach has accomplished since he graduated from Columbia State.”    

Sarah Childress Polk is typically regarded by historians as one of the most influential women to call the White House home. However, when compared to contemporaries like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Polk is typically viewed as a conservative who pushed against the Women’s Rights Movement. In reality the contributions that Polk provided, to not only her husband’s presidency, but the nation as a whole, cannot be overlooked. While others stood out for swimming against the stream of 19th century misogyny, Polk worked within the channels of what was expected of women for the time to redefine the idea of femininity and ultimately the role of women in American politics. 

The event is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Columbia State History Department and the James K. Polk Home and Museum. The Ledbetter Auditorium is located in the Frank G. Clement Building on the Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike.