(Lewisville) June 4, 2012 – A national traveling exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” will be on display at the Lewisville Public Library, 1197 W. Main Street, from June 30 through July 31.
The exhibit examines how President Abraham Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War – the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties – none of which were clearly addressed in the nation’s founding charter.
The National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office organized the traveling exhibition, made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The traveling exhibition is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center. The visit to Lewisville is one of just two stops in North Texas for the exhibit, and the only one this year.
The traveling exhibition is composed of informative panels featuring photographic reproductions of original documents, including a draft of Lincoln’s first inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment.
Lewisville Public Library will kick off the exhibit on Saturday, June 30, 2-4 p.m., with a public event featuring a presentation by Dr. Kenneth Stevens, professor of history at Texas Christian University. That will be followed by “Songs the Soldiers Sang,” a performance of Civil War music by historian Joe Walker.
Along with the exhibit, Lewisville Public Library will hold a series of public events to further explore the legacies of Lincoln and the Civil War. All programs are free and open to the public, and there will be prize-drawings at the end of most events. Activities include:
“Life of the Common Soldier.” Historian and re-enactor Joe Walker will describe the everyday life of the Civil War soldier. Thursday, July 5, 2 p.m.
“The Resurrection of Harriet Tubman.” Lecturer and actor Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux will give a live storytelling performance in which she will dramatically relate tales from the life of the famed African-American abolitionist, Union spy and Underground Railroad operator. Thursday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
“The Cavalry in the Civil War: Myths and Realities.” Writer and historian Doug Harman will put the role of the cavalry in perspective by debugging some myths and speaking to the realities of the cavalry’s presence during the Civil War. Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
“Lincoln, the Constitution, and the Union.” Dr. Richard McCaslin, professor of history at University of North Texas, will examine the key issues and challenges Lincoln faced during his storied tenure as President. Thursday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.
Heritage Brass Band. The Dallas-based musical group will perform Civil War era music in historic-replica uniforms. Saturday, July 21, 2 p.m.
“Everyday Life for Civil War Soldiers.” Author and historian Ryan Petty will look at the daily routine, and not-so-routine, that characterized the life of a soldier during the Civil War. Tuesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
In addition, visitors will have a chance to watch the third episode of Ken Burns’ award-winning documentary “The Civil War” on July 11 in the Bennett Program Room. The library also will show feature films based in part on Civil War stories on July 8 and July 28. Call the library for movie titles.
A special Lincoln Exhibit Trivia Trek will enable visitors to follow their progress through the exhibit and related activities, and to become eligible for additional prizes. Trivia Trek sheets are available at the Information Desk on the first floor of the library.
While Texas was on the outskirts of most Civil War action, that period in American history continues to have tremendous impact on the United States today. “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” explores that impact and lends perspective to Lincoln’s presidency.
Lincoln is widely acknowledged as one of America’s greatest presidents, but his historical reputation is contested. Was he a calculating politician willing to accommodate slavery, or a principled leader justly celebrated as the Great Emancipator? This exhibition provides no easy answers. Rather, it encourages visitors to form a nuanced view of Lincoln by engaging them with Lincoln’s struggle to reconcile his policy preferences with basic American ideals of liberty and equality. This exhibition develops a more complete understanding of Abraham Lincoln as president and the Civil War as the nation’s gravest constitutional crisis.
For more information about “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” or other programs at the Lewisville Public Library, visit cityoflewisville.com or call 972-219-3779.
Thanks to James Kunke, City of Lewisville, for sharing this news.
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