Facebook Leads New York Times Bestseller Cokie Roberts To Choose Old Town Artist for Book Cover

Harper Collins found Todd Healy via Facebook. Spotting a hand-colored bird’s-eye view of Washington, D.C. with the Capitol in the foreground (circa 1861) on Healy’s www.capitolartifacts.com site, they asked his permission to use it for an upcoming book cover’s jacket. Cokie Roberts was penning a new tome, and they thought it was a perfect fit.

“It’s such a privilege to have my work featured on Cokie Roberts’ new book,” Healy said. “She is a national treasure, incredible writer and historian, and I’m humbled she is using one of my
drawings. ” Healy said.

Healy’s image is a rare and stunning drawing of the Capitol under construction, colored to convey the busy seat of government against a backdrop of farm country in the early stages of the city’s
development.

“When I started Capitol Artifacts, it was my intention to bring to life some of the national landmarks of this important era,” Healy said. “I’m thrilled more people will get to see the 1861 image, thanks to Cokie’s book.”

Capital Dames, The Civil War and the Women of Washington, 1848-1868, is a companion to
Roberts’ New York Times best-selling works, Founding Mothers and Ladies of Liberty. Roberts marks the
sesquicentennial of the Civil War by offering a riveting look at Washington, D.C. and the experiences,
influence, and contributions of its women during this momentous period of American history.

Healy met Roberts late last month at a book signing at the National Archives. Healy, a staple in Old Town for over 35 years, is the owner of Gallery Lafayette and Framing Studio in Old Town, Alexandria.

Giving back to the community, Healy also raised $1,500 for Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia (SCAN) by donating the sales of all the books that was given by Harper Collins.

Prints of the image used can be purchased at Gallery Lafayette, 130 S Royal Street in Alexandria.