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For a limited time this summer the Calvert Library in Prince Frederick will be the place to learn all about Abe. The exhibit, “Lincoln: the Constitution and the Civil War,” began Thursday, July 12 and will continue until Friday, Aug. 24.

According to Robyn Truslow, the library’s public relations coordinator, bringing the exhibit to Calvert County was a project that took three years of work. The traveling exhibition is a collaboration of the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. Truslow said the local library was offered a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“I just thought it would be perfect,” said Truslow, who added that making the exhibit project a true success has been the result of “the community getting people involved.” The entities that have provided resources include the Friends of Calvert Library and the Maryland Humanities Council. Other contributors have included the Surratt House, the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House, the Calvert Historical Society and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM).

Since there is no charge for the exhibition or any of the ancillary programs that are part of the calendar, gauging the success of the program is difficult. Truslow did say that library staff estimates about 15 to 20 percent of the facility’s visitors since July 12, “have been engaged in the Lincoln Exhibit.”

Previous exhibit-related calendar items have included an appearance by Jim Getty, who is considered the nation’s leading Lincoln impersonator; a lecture by Rhode Island Chief Justice Frank Williams on the acrimonious relationship between President Lincoln and U.S. Chief Justice (and Calvert County native) Roger B. Taney; and a visit by Bill Grimmette, an actor who portrays Frederick Douglass.

Coming attractions for the remainder of the exhibit’s run include:

Thursday, Aug. 9 - Clara Barton impersonator Mary Ann Jung from 7 - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 11 - A screening and discussion about the film “Lost River,” which tells the story of Ella Carroll, believed by many to be a key Lincoln confidant. The screening and discussion take place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 15 - Michael Kauffman, author of “American Brutus,” will tell “The Story of John Wilkes Booth” from 7 to 8 p.m.

Additionally, free docent-led tours are available Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 - 7p.m.; Fridays from 1 - 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information on the exhibit visit http://calvert.lib.md.us/lincoln.html

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com