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.