Library to host Lincoln gathering

Two Northwest Missouri State University history professors will preside Tuesday over an evening devoted to Abraham Lincoln's life, legend and tumultuous years in the White House.

Michael Steiner and Joel Benson will present "Tall Tales and Truths of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War" at 7 p.m. at the Maryville Public Library, located at Fifth and Main streets. Doors will open at 6:30.

The event will also include the unveiling of a small Civil War exhibit featuring images and artifacts on loan from the Nodaway County Historical Society Museum. The exhibit will remain on display at the library through Saturday, Feb. 23.

Maryville Public Library Director Stephanie Patterson said this week's free symposium was organized due to a recent surge of interest in the United States' sixteenth president following the release of Steven Spielberg's epic film, "Lincoln."

The movie was partly based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's acclaimed biography, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," which has become a bestseller.

Patterson added that Lincoln enthusiasts, Civil War buffs and general readers have also responded enthusiastically to television personality Bill O'Reilly's book, "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever."

"I believe Bill O’Reilly’s book has been checked out more than any other adult nonfiction book at the library in the last year," Patterson said. "Lincoln never goes out of style, but Mr. O’Reilly’s book, along with Steven Spielberg’s recent film about the passage of the 13th Amendment, has really motivated local readers in learning more about this American icon."

Tuesday's presentation is aimed at adults, but children old enough to sit through the discussion are welcome to attend.

"It would be great to share this with another generation of history buffs," Patterson said. "The study of Lincoln’s life and times is as relevant today as it ever was."

For more information, call the library at (660) 582-5281.