Lincoln Display at Main Library through December

Louisville has an abundance of educational opportunities available to engage your young history buff while school is out for winter break. At the top of the list is the national traveling exhibition, "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War". The exhibit is open at the Main Louisville Free Public Library throughout December. The exhibit is an examination of how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War - the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties. The display features panels with reproductions of original documents. The photos include a draft of Lincolnís first inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. The Main Library is located at 301 York Street.

Make a Day of Lincoln in Louisville

Companion activities to the library's free exhibit can round out the Lincoln in Louisville experience. If the weather cooperates, a visit to 129 E. River Road might be in order. This address is the location of the Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park. The park is free and open to the public.  The memorial features a statue of Lincoln and four bas reliefs that are looks at Lincoln's life in Kentucky. If time permits, a stop at Farmington Historic Plantation at 3033 Bardstown Road could be fun. The plantation was a hemp farm visited by Abraham Lincoln for three weeks in 1841. At that time Lincoln's friend Joshua Speed lived in the home, which has been completely restored.

Take the Theme into the Evening with a Film

Plan a stop on the way home to pick up a copy of the 2012 Spielberg movie titled Lincoln. If you think about it, check the library for the film before you leave. If it is checked in, you will be able to continue the free theme, too! The film stars Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field and makes a nice addition to the Lincoln day. Lewis was awarded an Oscar for his performance of Abraham Lincoln in this entertaining and star-studded film with a fresh perspective on Lincoln's presidency.