The Waynesville library will unveil the traveling exhibit “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

There will also be re-enactors from the NC Troops 25th Regiment from noon to 3 p.m. Immediately following the reception (3 p.m.) will be the program: “Lincoln’s Second Gettysburg Address” with Lincoln scholar David Madden. This presentation explores what would Lincoln have to say about what has been accomplished since his death and what remains to be done.

This event coincides with a library open house so patrons can see changes made at the library.

Other events that are part of the Lincoln exhibit include:

“Lincoln Chose Louisiana”

• At 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, Lincoln scholar David Madden will explore how and why Lincoln chose the state of Louisiana to be a model for reconstruction and how his assassination changed his concept into a terrible reconstruction whose effects linger still.

“Lincolnites”

• At 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, Barbara Bates Smith will give a narrative performance of Ron Rash’s short story “Lincolnites.” This performance will be enhanced by the reading of Civil War letters from WCU and musical accompaniment by Jeff Sebens. An added attraction will be local poet Michael Beadle and local civil war enthusiast the Rev. Timothy McRee.

The traveling exhibit was organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office and made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funds were provided by the Haywood County Friends of the Library.