State Library of Ohio to Host Traveling Exhibit “Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation.”

Why did a nation founded on ideals of freedom and equality tolerate for so long one of the harshest labor systems the world has known? A traveling exhibition opening at the State Library of Ohio on March 7, 2011 looks for answers to this question by tracing Abraham Lincoln’s gradual transformation from an antislavery moderate into “The Great Emancipator,” who began the process to free all slaves with a revolutionary war-time proclamation in 1863. “Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation” will be on display at the library until April 15, 2011.

Organized by the Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif., and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, New York City, in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA), this traveling exhibition is made possible through major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, created by Congress and charged with planning the national celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday.

The Forever Free exhibit offers Ohioans an opportunity to learn more about how the long and brutal Civil War influenced Abraham Lincoln’s decision on emancipation of the slaves. The exhibit reveals how Lincoln’s values and beliefs guided him through the greatest moral conflict of his time to become one of our greatest Presidents.”

“Forever Free” draws upon original documents in the collections of the Huntington Library and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. It was curated by John Rhodehamel, Norris Foundation Curator of American historical manuscripts at the Huntington Library.

The State Library of Ohio will also display historical documents, artifacts and the winning artwork from a poster contest with students at Columbus College of Art and Design.

Details: An opening reception and free program will be held on March 9, 2011 at 5:30-7:30. The State Library will provide additional programs for schools and groups from the public in connection with the exhibition.   The State Library of Ohio is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Contact Marsha McDevitt-Stredney at 614-644-6875 or marshams@library.ohio.gov for more information.

Sponsor: The State Library of Ohio is hosting the exhibit in collaboration with Ohioana, Ohio Historical Society, Kelton House, Ohio Department of Education, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio State University, local historians and others. Organized by the Huntington Library, San Marino, CA; the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, NYC; American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities

Location: State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave, Columbus Ohio 43201

For more information, please visit www.library.ohio.gov.