Civil War Events Honor Lincoln

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall is offering a slate of events commemorating the Civil War and illuminating the life of Abraham Lincoln. The Library recently revitalized Memorial Hall: The Captain Espy Post No. 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). GAR–a fraternal organization of Union Army veterans–met at posts across the country to preserve their legacy, help wounded vets and widows and bond over their shared experience. Executive Director Maggie Forbes says the Espy Post had been locked up since the mid 1930s and though it was neglected for all those decades, it is also a virtual time capsule. Now, she says this beautiful and historical landmark has been restored. Enhancing the opening of the room is an exhibit of 100 photos of Abraham Lincoln in chronological order, from an 1847 daguerreotype to a photograph of him in his coffin in 1865. There is also a traveling panel exhibit examining his life divided into six parts, including his early years, the war, slavery and lasting impact. Memorial Hall is open to the public. Both the photo exhibit–Aspects of Lincoln and the panel exhibition–Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, a Man for All Times, are free and open to the public until April 24. On Sunday April 11 the Music Hall will hold a performance of Aaron Copeland's "A Lincoln Portrait." More information on all the events can be found at carnegiecarnegie.com.