Richmond historian and biographer Bracelen Flood, whose recently published book "1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History" has earned rave reviews from The New York Times and many others, will be the featured presenter. Guests will also be able to meet Abraham Lincoln impersonator Bob Coffey of Mount Vernon and view a special Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) exhibit, "Discovering Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln." The "Evening with Lincoln" will conclude with a reception and book signing by Flood. The EKU Barnes and Noble Bookstore will have copies of the book for sale at the event.
The "Paroles, Passes and Pardons" display features a pass written by President Lincoln for a Kentucky civilian to go through Union lines at Louisville, a parole for a Union soldier and member of the Kentucky Home Guard who was captured at the Battle of Richmond, and a printed pardon from Andrew Johnson's administration that allows a full pardon for offenses "arising from participation, direct or implied, in the said rebellion." It also contains documents and ephemeral material from the University Archives collections that enhance the display and help interpret the topic.
"The unique primary resources being preserved in the University Archives at EKU demonstrate our commitment to supporting scholarship and research related to the history of our region and country," said Carrie Cooper, dean of libraries at EKU.
The KHS "Museums-to-Go" exhibit, which made its debut at the 2008 Kentucky State Fair, is part of the bicentennial effort to better understand the connections between the 16th president and his native state.
Published by Simon & Schuster, "1864" chronicles Lincoln's role in one of the most pivotal years in American history. Fellow Kentuckian and Civil War author Kent Masterson Brown said Flood's work makes Lincoln "walk off the pages as in no other book.
The "Paroles" display can be seen in the lobby of Crabbe Library March 26-April 23; the Kentucky Historical Society display will be in the lobby March 26-31.
For more information, visit www.library.eku.edu or call Kari Martin at 622-6593.
