Lincoln Exhibit Opens at SS Public Library
With Presentation and Reception, Thursday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, Assistant Professor of History at TAMU-C, opens the
Lincoln Exhibit with a presentation on one of the most noted U.S. Presidents, in history,
on Thursday night.

 

A small gathering of "history enthusiasts" met at the Sulphur Springs Public Library, on Thursday night, at 6:00 p.m., for an interesting and intimate look at the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, presented by Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, Assistant Professor of History at TAMU-C. Dr. Wranosky led the group through the life and times of Lincoln and the icon that the American leader has become, even in our culture today.

Wranosky began her presentation by clarifying that there are most likely more biographies written about Abraham Lincoln, than any other American figure, with estimates of from 15,000 to 35,000 in print. "That's quite an accomplishment for a man born in a log cabin, in Kentucky, and who rose to power during the most turmoil in our nation's history!" expressed Waronsky. "He is one of our most beloved presidents and continues to inspire us, even 150 years after his assassination!"

 

 

 

 

The presentation began with Lincoln's childhood and advanced to his involvement in the Whig party, and later affiliation with the Republican Party. Wranosky told of his early association and the formation of his ideals involving slavery, as he traversed the Mississippi River and witnessed slavery first-hand. "Lincoln was not an abolitionist, originally," expressed Waronsky. "He began as an Anti-Slavery Advocate and this feelings deepened as he advanced in politics."

 

 

Wranosky traced Lincoln's path through his years as a lawyer, entering politics, and running for the office of president. Then, she continued his trials in the White House and the nation's division, that led to the Civil War. She told of his now famous, but little noted "Gettysburg Address," that was a 272 word document, that many failed to recognize its importance when it was delivered in November 1863.

 

 

 

"Lincoln 'started the ball rolling' and left a legacy of having the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution ratified, and he 'planted the seed' that would some 100 years later become the Civil Rights Movement," expressed Dr. Wranosky.

 

 

 

 

 

Wranosky ended her presentation with examples of Lincoln that still exist in our every day lives and his adoption by pop culture to emphasize stability.

 

A reception followed Wranosky's presentation and then those in attendance viewed the Lincoln Exhibit, in the main part of the Sulphur Springs Public Library.

 

 

 

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