Only two weeks left

There is only two weeks left to see the "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War," traveling exhibition located at the Independence Historical Museum & Art Center. We have a few events still left however.
On Thursday, September 12th at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center there will be a Rebel Creek Massacre Panel discussion led by Dr. Isaias McCaffery and includes Arnold Schofield, Marsha Hayes, and Clayton Bramble. Hear about the massacred that occurred on May 15th, 1863, when 18 confederate soldiers from Jasper, MO were sent through Kansas for two reasons: recruit
Confederate soldiers, and to incite western Indians against Kansas settlers. When they reached the Verdigris river they were stalled due to rain. A band of Osage Indians came upon the group, and when the Confederates lied to the Indians about being Union Soldiers a fight broke out and one Osage Indian was killed. The band of Osage immediately went back to their tribe and gathered 200 tribesmen to chase down the 18 Confederate soldiers. Two Confederate soldiers survived, while two Osage Indians were killed.

The other event that is scheduled is a book discussion over "The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton" by Jane Smiley. The discussion will take place September 17th at 6:30pm. This discussion is part of the Kansas Humanities Council TALK Series "Before the Civil War." The Kansas Humanities Council describes the book as follows: "[S]et mostly in the Kansas Territory shortly before the Civil War, narrator Lydia "Lidie" Harkness recounts her adventures while disguised as a boy, reporting for a proslavery newspaper, and helping a woman escape a plantation." Copies of the book are available at the library. The discussion leader is Rachel Waltner Goossen, a Washburn University professor specializing in 20th century U.S. and women’s history.  She received her Ph.D. in history from the University of Kansas, and joined the KHC TALK program as a discussion leader in 2008.

The Independence Public Library also has a silent auction taking place with Civil War memorabilia. The auction will go through September 20^th, with the winners being announced Friday, September 20^th at the closing reception. There is also a hand stitched Underground Railroad quilt the museum is raffling off. Chances on the quilt is for a suggested donation of 1 for $1 or 6 for $5, with the winner being announced at the closing reception on September 20^th.

Week 2 of "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War"

The week has been off to a magnificent start! Tuesday, night Michelle Martin performed "She Fought Like a Lion." Forty-five people attend this moving program to hear the story of a young woman who dressed as a man to fight in the civil war.

Tonight at the library we will be hosting the Shared Stories of the Civil War Reader's Theater Project "Quantrill's Raid and Order Number 11." The readers for tonight include: Lori Martin, Jim Fischer, Jeff Shaw, Brian Hight, Robert Wullenschneider, and Ray Rothgeb. This evenings event starts at 6:30pm at the Independence Public Library.

The Shared Stories of the Civil War project is a partnership between Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area and the Kansas Humanities Council. It features short stories created from historical letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and other materials. Similar to reader's theater, the stories have been researched and compiled into short scripts. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War and the recognition of events that occurred in Kansas and Missouri during this period in history, the reader's theater scripts explore themes of interest to communities on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line. These voices from history provide insight into how 19th century Americans struggled with determining the future of our nation and defining the meaning of freedom.

Living History Performance

                Michelle Martin is presenting two programs in conjunction with "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" exhibition. Ms. Martin, has a Bachelors and Masters in History from Western Michigan University. She is a historian, photographer, researcher, and television producer. She

founded Discovering History in 2006 to combine her passions for "history, research, writing, living history, reenacting, and photography." She has been a reenactor for several television documentaries, and performs living history around the Midwest. "Michelle formed Discovering History to further her work in these areas. Michelle specializes in bringing the stories of 19th century American women to life from the pages of the past making them vibrant and rich in the present."

                The first program Michelle will be presenting is "Emma Morely," which takes place tonight (August 16th) at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center (123 N. 8th St, Independence, KS) starting at 6:30pm.  "Emma was a young woman traveling to Kansas during the midst of the American Civil War. Upon arriving in Fort Scott, Kansas Emma tended wounded soldiers after the

Battle of Mine Creek. Emma's diary is the basis of this emotional program."

                The second program, "She Fought like a Lion," which is being held at the Independence Public Library (220 East Maple, Independence, KS) on Tuesday, August 20th at 7:00pm. "She Fought like a Lion" is about Sarah Emma Edmonds Seely (aka Pvt. Franklin Thompson). "Hear the story of a woman turned soldier then turned woman once again. Michelle portrays Sarah, the only woman buried with full GAR honors. This is a story of courage and of a woman that went to great lengths to serve her country during a time of war."

                These two programs will be full of entertainment and history.  Be sure to visit the Independence Public Library's website for a list of all the programs surrounding the Lincoln exhibition.  As an added bonus during the course of the "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" exhibition, the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center will be staying open till 8:00pm on Thursday evenings.

Source: Discovering History, www.discovering-history.com

Exhibition Kick Off and Debate

Saturday, August 10th was the kick-off for the "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War"exhibition. The event was hosted by the Independence Historical Museum & Art Center. It was a fun day, full of family-friendly activities. Our Lincoln enactor started off the day with a photo shoot with local reporters at the Molly Brown Bed and Breakfast. From there Frank Crebase escorted Lincoln by horse and buggy to the museum, where over 150 people were waiting to see him sworn in as the 16th President. As Abraham Lincoln dismounted the buggy, a young boy dressed in a Union uniform could be seen saluting Lincoln as he passed. After Lincoln was sworn in, he delivered his inaugural address to the crowd.
The newly sworn-in President had a storytime with the children at the event. He read Looking at Lincoln by Maria Kalman; following the reading, he answered the children's questions. Many latecomers missed the address, but made it for the BBQ by 2B Smoking, the museum tours, the live music provided by Darrell Mullinax, and to enjoy carriage rides with Abe through the streets of downtown Independence, KS.

The exhibition opening was a huge success, with close to 200 people attending the afternoon-long event.

On Monday, August 12th the first program in our six week long chain of programs took place at ICC West Campus: the Civil War Mock Secession Debate with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Kansas Senator Jeff King, which was moderated by Dr. Daniel Barwick. The debate was full of interesting points-of-view, fun jokes between the debaters, and educational material.70 people came out to enjoy the debate, all leaving with smiles on their face, and an evening well spent.
Be sure to check out the library's Facebook page to see pictures from the Exhibition Opening.

“Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” Exhibition Opens August 10

Saturday, August 10 will kick off six weeks of the “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” exhibition and activities to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the National Constitution Center and the America Library Association (ALA) with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Locally, the Independence Public Library and the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center have joined resources to bring the exhibit to Southeast Kansas.  Local activities have been created by the library and museum to enhance the themes of the exhibit:  Oath of Office, Divided, Bound, Dissent, and Legacy.  The exhibit and activities offer a new perspective on Abraham Lincoln with a focus on his struggle to meet the political and constitutional challenges of the Civil War. According to the ALA “the exhibition explores how Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the war—the secession of Southern states, slavery, and wartime civil liberties. Visitors will leave the exhibition with a more complete understanding of Lincoln as President and the Civil War as the nation’s gravest constitutional crisis.” 

The free exhibit opens at the museum on Saturday, August 10, when the oath of office is administered to Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Lincoln enactor Troy Strahan.  Strahan, as Lincoln, will arrive at the museum by carriage and will deliver his first inaugural address from the museum steps.  Lincoln will be sworn in by Judge Roger Gossard, Chief Judge of the 14^th Judicial District. Lincoln enactor Troy Strahan was a lanky grade schooler when he became fascinated with Lincoln and learned that Abraham Lincoln was the tallest chief executive.  Strahan loved all things Lincoln; reading biographies and treatises, and researching every aspect of his life.  He has portrayed Lincoln for a wide variety of public, business, religious, non-profit and educational groups, including performing Presidential speeches and portraying Lincoln’s love of storytelling.  Strahan is a regular presenter at the Lincoln, Kansas, “Lincoln Days,” and is a member of the Lecompton Re-enactors. 

Additional activities on Saturday include the start of a silent auction for civil war era items. The auction  will continue through to the end of the exhibit.  Kids stories by given by Abraham Lincoln and carriage rides with Abraham Lincoln will be provided by Frank Crebase.  These activities are all free to the public.  Buersken's BBQ will sell meals.  Drinks and cookies will be sold by the museum.  Museum tours and live music will cap off the events of the day.

On Monday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m.,  Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Senator Jeff King will be featured in a debate over secession at ICC West.  The debate will be moderated by Dr. Dan Barwick, President of Independence Community College. The event is free to the public.  Senator King will discuss the importance of a union of states versus a union over states and the rights of nullification. Attorney General Schmidt will discuss the importance of the federal government and its power over states. The context of both will be during, and leading up to, the Civil War.

The exhibition and activities will continue through September 20.  Events will include Civil War portrayals by Michelle Martin, Pastor Dee Williamston, Dr. Lanna Reeve, a readers theatre, two Kansas Humanities Talks Series, and a panel discussion on the Rebel Creek Massacre.  The exhibition will close on September 20 with a full day of activities, ending with Strahan again portraying Lincoln and delivering the Gettysburg Address.

All Lincoln activities are free to the public.  For more information contact the Independence Public Library at 331-3030 or the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center at 331-3515.

It's almost here!

The opening for the exhibition is just around the corner! Saturday, August 10th, to be exact. The exhibition is in the process of being shipped to the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.  What better time to brush up on your Lincoln knowledge? The National Constitution Center has an interactive online game geared towards middle and high school aged children, but is also fun for adults. Follow the link below to play the educational game.
Lincoln Game

The opening of the exhibition is going to be full of fun, food, and excitement. The festivities will be at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center. Starting at 11am, Abraham Lincoln will arrive in style by horse and carriage. Upon his arrival he will be sworn in as the 16th president and deliver his inaugural address. Once he has taken office he will have a storytime for children starting at 11:15am. Starting at 11am you can purchase BBQ from 2 B Smokin'. From 11:30 to 1:30, be entertained with music by Darrell Mullinax, take a tour of the museum and exhibition, and enjoy a pleasant carriage ride with Abe. This is a great way to spend the afternoon with family and friends. 

Can you beat the Librarians?

©2009 Alusiv, Inc.

The Independence Public Library is gearing up for the opening of "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War," traveling exhibition. The National Constitution center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office organized the traveling exhibition, which was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): great ideas brought to life. The traveling exhibition is based on the exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center.

We have many exciting programs surrounding the exhibition from mock debates to panel discussions to living history performances.  What better way to get ready for this exciting exhibition than to test your knowledge with some Civil War trivia! Below is a list of 10 questions, write your answers down and scroll to the bottom to check and see if they are correct. Then compare your score to three of the IPL staff's scores.

1)What General had the longest last name?
     A)General Lee
     B)General Grant
     C)General Schimmelfenning
     D)General McClellan
2)Which Amendment to the Constitution provided for the abolition of slavery?
     A)13th
     B)14th
     C)2nd
     D)18th
3)How many men died as a result of the Civil War
     A)500
     B)627,000
     C)10,000
     D)100,000
4)Who was the only civilian killed at Gettysburg?
     A)John West
     B)Mary Anne Smith
     C)Jennie Wade
     D)Richard Livingston
5)What War did Confederate General Robert E. Lee's father fight in?
     A)Revolutionary War
     B)Spanish-American War
     C)100 Years War
     D)Civil War
6)What disease did President Lincoln contract right after the Gettysburg Address?
     A)Small Pox
     B)Typhoid
     C)Tuberculosis
     D)Meningitis
7)What famous battle, April 6 & 7, 1862 in Tennessee was named after a Methodist Church?
     A)Gettysburg
     B)Big Bethel
     C)Liberty
     D)Shiloh
8)How old was John Wilkes Booth when he killed Lincoln?
     A)18
     B)34
     C)44
     D)24
9)What is "green-apple quickstep?"
     A)Food
     B)A form of battle marching
     C)Diarrhea
     D)A drink
10)During the Rebel Creek Massacre, how many Confederate soldiers and Osage Indians died?
     A)2 Confederate, 18 Osage
     B)24 Confederate, 100 Osage
     C)16 Confederate, 2 Osage
     D)0 Confederate, 12 Osage

Independence Public Library Staff Scores
Librarian 1- 8/10
Librarian 2- 2/10
Librarian 3- 7/10











Keep scrolling for the answers.















Keep scrolling!









Answers:
1)C, 2)A, 3)B, 4)C, 5)A, 6)A 7)D, 8)D, 9)C, 10)C