PRESS RELEASE-For Immediate Release For more information contact: Lisa Donner Community Services Librarian Spring Lake District Library (616) 846-5770, ext. 107 Celebrating Lincoln @ Spring Lake District Library Spring Lake District Library will be hosting a series of presentations during the month of September in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial. The Bicentennial is a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy. The public is invited to attend the library’s Celebrating Lincoln series which will examine the many facets of Lincoln’s contributions during the turbulent Civil War era. The schedule of Celebrating Lincoln events is as follows:

Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. Camp Life of a Union Civil War Soldier. The local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Henry E. Plant Camp No. 3 will kick off the series of Lincoln-related programming with a look at the camp life of Union Civil War soldiers. Members of the group will provide a living history experience as they share accounts of their ancestors’ battle experiences and descriptions of daily camp life. Artifacts including uniforms, ammunition pouches, and Grand Army of the Republic medals will be displayed. The Tri-Cities Historical Museum and Spring Lake District Library have partnered to provide this fascinating look at the Civil War era. Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:00 p.m. Lincoln’s Michigan Connection. Senator Tom George provides an overview of Lincoln’s 1856 visit to Kalamazoo – Lincoln’s only visit to Michigan. Join Senator George for his analysis of Lincoln’s Kalamazoo speech and the insights it provides to Lincoln’s views on slavery. Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7:00 p.m. Abe’s Faves. What musical favorites did Abraham Lincoln enjoy and what does his choice of music tell us about his character? Muskegon Community College music instructor Don Hoogenstyn, Jr. will explore these and other questions. Attendees will enjoy listening to selections of music including folk ballads, hymns, and opera from Lincoln’s era. MORE . . .

Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m. The American Dream, Exhibit A: Abraham Lincoln. Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, looks at the many serious obstacles Lincoln overcame to position himself for the White House. Whitney will also review Lincoln’s most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address. This program is funded in part by Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m. Lincoln and the Ladies. Given Lincoln’s understanding of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence would he have supported women’s rights? West Michigan University history professor Dr. Janet Coryell discusses Lincoln’s views on women’s civil rights.

Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. The Rise of Abraham Lincoln. Brian Flanagan, associate director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, explores the enduring qualities and crucial decisions that were essential to Lincoln’s rise to the presidency.

All of the Lincoln events are free and the public is invited to attend. For more information about any of the programs, call the library at (616) 846-5770, ext. 107. The library is located at 123 E. Exchange St. in Spring Lake.

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