Abraham Lincoln Exhibit at Library Features Visit From The Great Emancipator

Residents of New Brunswick came to the New Brunswick Free Public Library on Saturday to hear the story of the civil war from Honest Abe himself.

Historical reenactor Robert F. Costello specializes in impersonations of the 16th president of the U.S., and appeared at the library in connection with the traveling historical exhibit "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" that is being showcased there through Sept. 28.

Dressed in the president's signature black suit and stovepipe hat, Costello narrated the life of Lincoln, from his humble beginnings as a shopkeeper (where he earned the nickname "Honest Abe" for his business dealings), his elections as a legislator, senator and president, his courtship of Mary Todd Lincoln, his career as a lawyer and his firm belief in the preservation of the union.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," Costello said, reciting the line from Lincoln's famous 1858 speech.

The traveling exhibit was organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, according to the library.

It discusses Lincoln's use of the constitution to address the challenges of the civil war, according to the library.

After Costello's presentation on Lincoln's eventful life, audience members were urged to ask "Lincoln" a question.

"We are remembered by the deeds that we commit during our life," Costello said, when asked how the president felt about being commemorated on the penny, the $5 bill, and in numerous monuments. "To be remembered is a goal I sought to achieve."

"Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" is on display at the New Brunswick Free Public Library through Sept. 28.

The next presentation scheduled in connection with the exhibit is a free presentation by Pauline Johnson, great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman at 2 p.m. Sept. 9, followed by a reception in the Henry Guest House.

For a schedule detailing the times and dates that the exhibit will be open to the public, as well as a list of scheduled presentations, visit www.nbfpl.org/lincolnexhibit.html.