Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 24, 2012 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host the traveling exhibition Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War at the John Spoor Broome Library from Oct. 11 through Nov. 30.  The free, public exhibition opens with a reception on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the library’s Exhibition Hall.  The reception will feature Joan Waugh, UCLA history professor, Civil War expert, and author of “U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth.”

Organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, the traveling display was funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The exhibition invites the public to experience Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War through the eyes of the nation’s 16th president. Visitors walk through a series of thought-provoking display panels, depicting photos, illustrations, personal writings, speeches, historical documents, and newspaper excerpts that examine Lincoln’s legacy and impact on the nation, slavery and civil liberties. By providing a variety of information and posing provocative questions, the exhibit enables visitors to consider options through Lincoln's eyes and reflect on lasting effects of the Civil War that still influence Americans today.

During the exhibition period, the library will host educational film screenings, scholarly lectures on Civil War topics, and Civil War speech readings. Five Civil War historical figures from noted artist and historian George Stuart are also on loan from the Museum of Ventura County.

“The exhibition offers a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, students and the entire Ventura County community to explore and learn about one of the most important events and leaders in United States history,” said Janet Pinkley, Senior Assistant Librarian, Reference and Circulation Coordinator, at the John Spoor Broome Library. “It encourages questions, debate and discussion by asking visitors to understand the Civil War not only as a war about slavery and the economy, but also as a test of the Constitution.”

The traveling exhibition responds to renewed interest in Lincoln sparked by the election of the nation's first African-American president and the 150th anniversary of Confederate forces firing on Fort Sumter, which officially launched the Civil War.

The exhibition will end with a closing reception on Thursday, Nov. 29, featuring UCSB history professor and Civil War expert John Majewski.

The opening reception event is free and open to the public.  Complimentary event parking is limited and only available in the designated parking lot.  Once on campus, follow the directional signage to event parking then follow the walking signage to the event location.

During the rest of the six-week exhibition, parking will be available Monday through Friday by permit only and on Saturday and Sunday with a free Library weekend permit, available at the Library circulation desk. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot with bus service to and from the campus. The cash-only bus fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at: www.goventura.org

For more information and to RSVP to the opening reception, please visit http://library.csuci.edu/about/news/lincoln.htm, or contact Janet Pinkley at 805-437-3217 or janet.pinkley@csuci.edu, or Laura Worden at 805-437-2632 or laura.worden@csuci.edu.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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