SachemPublic Library FOREVER FREE. Abraham Lincoln s Journey to Emancipation

Transcription

1 SachemPublic Library FOREVER FREE Abraham Lincoln s Journey to Emancipation July 23 - September 4, 2009

2 About the Exhibit Sachem Library has been selected as one of only 63 libraries in the United States to host a new exhibition, Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln s Journey to Emancipation. This collection of reproductions of rare historical documents, period photographs, and illustrative material examines Abraham Lincoln s quest to restore a Union divided by Civil War and shows how Lincoln s beliefs about freeing the slaves were transformed by war-time developments. This exhibit is based on original documents relating to Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, abolition, and the Emancipation Proclamation in collections from the Huntington Library in California and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Forever Free is made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York City, New York

3 Special Events Gallery Reception Wednesday, July 29 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Abraham Lincoln: From Railsplitter to President Wednesday, July 29 Program code: SAAGET7 Step back in time as actor-storyteller Lou Del Bianco portrays Lincoln as Civil War President, frontiersman and storyteller. Employing authentic historical quotations, Mr. Del Bianco will demonstrate Lincoln s honesty, love of family, thirst for education, sense of justice, and perseverance.. Display Case Exhibit Colin Grey Civil War Memorabilia Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York City, New York Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York City, New York Civil War Encampment Saturday, August 1 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Living history re-enactors from the 9th Virginia and 67th New York Infantry Units, and the 10th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment will demonstrate bugle calls, infantry drills, and charges on horseback. Diane Fish, 30th Virginia, will demonstrate historically accurate cooking and provide food samples. In the event of rain this program will not take place.

4 Historic Tours Abe Lincoln s New York Bus Trip Tuesday, July 21 7:30 a.m. departure Fee: $50.00 Program code: SAABT7 Walk in Abraham Lincoln s footsteps on this tour lead by noted guides Art and Susan Zuckerman. Visit Cooper Union s Great Hall where Mr. Lincoln delivered the speech that led to his presidency and the beautiful Brooklyn Heights Plymouth Church where he paid a visit to Henry Ward Beecher. Full of personal and political stories and scandals as well as visits to intriguing city locations, this tour will provide a full day of travel to historic sites with lunch at Pete s Tavern. Resident registration by phone and online only: Wednesday, June 24, 10:00am to noon. Your payment must be made in person at the Welcome Desk, within 3-days of having registered, or your reservation will be automatically cancelled. Lecture Series Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln: A Commemorative Collage Tuesday, June 16 Program code: SAAHB6 Enjoy readings from Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln: A Commemorative Collage, written and presented by members of the National League of American Pen Women. This program will also feature a live dramatization of the book s writings. The anthology presents many insights into the character and personality of Abraham Lincoln. Copies of Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln will be available for signing and purchase. Lincoln s East End Connection Monday, August 10 7:45 a.m. departure Fee: $30.00 Program code: SAABT8 Local historian Brad Harris will be your step-on guide for the day as you visit historic East End locations. First, enjoy a tour of Mulford House and Clinton Academy presented by the director of the Easthampton Historical Society. Next, join the director of Home Sweet Home Cottage for a tour of the residence of John Howard Payne. Mr. Payne was the writer of the popular folk song sung to comfort the Lincolns upon the death of their son. To conclude, you will visit the late 17th Century South End Cemetery and the Gardiner Mill. Lunch is on your own. Resident registration by phone and online only: Wednesday, July 8, 10:00am to noon. Your payment must be made in person at the Welcome Desk, within 3-days of having registered, or your reservation will be automatically cancelled. Slavery on Long Island Wednesday, June 17 Program code: SAASL6 Local Historian Brad Harris will speak about the factors that helped bring about the end of slavery on Long Island, a feat that was accomplished thirty-six years before Abraham Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation.

5 Lecture Series (con t) Gettysburg: The Turning Point Monday, August 24 Program code: SAAGET8 Professional photographer Michael Fairchild will take you on a fascinating historical journey to Gettysburg, where the destiny of the United States was forged in the crucible of the American Civil War. Mr. Fairchild has crafted a short history of the battle that artfully combines historic photographs with images that he shot at Civil War re-enactments in 1988 and The video opens with a short interview with James McPhearson, Pulitzer prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom. The program also explores some of the basic causes of the bloodiest conflict in American history. Renowned Long Island artist Mort Kunstler has also generously contributed compelling battle images to this project. Stealing Lincoln s Body Tuesday, August 18 Program code: SAAPL08 Local historian Brad Harris will explore the story of Lincoln's wandering, restless corpse and other myths about the President of the United States. History tells us of John Wilkes Booth and his assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater, but not many people know of the bizarre events that preceded and followed Lincoln's death. One of the most peculiar events was the attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body from its tomb on election night, November 7, 1876, eleven years after his death. The Civil War: Key People, Places and Events An Overview from Ft. Sumter to Appomattox Monday, August 31 Program code: SAATCW8 American History teacher Colin Grey will examine, discuss and give insight to some of the most significant people, places, and events of the U.S. Civil War. From the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee s surrender at Appomattox, the Civil War divided our nation and affected our country in immeasurable ways. Attendees will also be given the chance to study rare artifacts from the time period.

6 Juneteenth Concert Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves, two and a half years after President Lincoln s proclamation. Juneteenth is an official holiday in 29 of the United States, including New York. Film Series Gone With the Wind Saturday, August 22 Noon Book Discussions Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Wednesday, July 22 Adult Book Discussion Moderated by Brad Silverman This narrative depicts how Abraham Lincoln appointed three rivals to his cabinet, soothed their outsized egos, drew upon their substantial talents, and used their political skills and experience to further his own agenda. Dixieland Jazz Celebration Friday, June 19 As part of our Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration, the Isotope Stompers will perform music from the 1860s and New Orleans Dixieland jazz. The melancholy blues sounds of When the Saints Come Marchin In and Just a Closer Walk with Thee will combine with such foot-tappin songs as the St. Louis Blues and, of course, Dixie. Glory Saturday, August 29 2:00 p.m. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Wednesday, August 26 Adult Book Discussion Moderated by Brad Silverman This historical novel depicting the Battle of Gettysburg was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It is told from the perspective of many of the historical figures who were present during those three fateful days in the summer of 1863.

7 Children s Programs Mary Todd Lincoln Strawberry Tea Party Grade K to 3 without caregiver Tuesday, August 25 10:30 a.m. and noon Little Ladies and Gentlemen in kindergarten through 3rd grade are cordially invited to join in some 1800s fun! You ll be introduced to the history of Mary Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln s wife, and her amazing tea parties. Practice your best manners as you enjoy a strawberry treat and refreshing beverage. Top off the day with a game of jackstraws, hopscotch or other historical activities. Lincoln Penny Necklace Grade K to 3 without caregiver Thursday, August 27 10:30 a.m. and noon Honor President Lincoln s 200th birthday by creating your own penny pendant. Continue Lincoln s birthday celebration with stories and a short film you re sure to enjoy. Teen Programs Podcasting Workshop: Lincoln Edition Thursday, August 13 Program code: SAT188 Celebrate the ideals and philosophies of America s 16th president. Just as Abraham Lincoln talked of diversity and equality, you will create a radio show to discuss the ideals of Abe Lincoln and how they affect us today. Abe Lincoln Camera Challenge Tuesday, August 18 Program code: SAT214 Put your camera to work during your summer vacation. In honor of Abraham Lincoln, capture images of landmarks, people, signs and symbols representing history, equality and/or diversity. Submit the photos on August 18 at and your pictures may be selected for display in a Young Artists Gallery exhibit this fall.

8 SACHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Event contact information For additional information regarding these or other Sachem Library programs and events, visit our website at or contact the Welcome Desk at Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln s Journey to Emancipation July 23 - September 4, 2009 Sachem Public Library 150 Holbrook Road Holbrook, NY Project Director: Frances Altemose Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln s Journey to Emancipation has been organized by the Huntington Library, San Marino, California, and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, New York City, in cooperation with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. This exhibition was made possible by major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanitities, promoting excellence in the humanitites, and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, created by Congress and charged with planning the national celebration of Lincoln s 200th birthday. This exhibit can be viewed in the Lower Lobby Gallery during regular Library hours. This event is free and open to the public. Cover Photo: Huntington Library, San Marion, California This publication has been funded by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities. Any views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Sachem Public Library 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, NY