The opening reception for the “Forever Free” Exhibit took place Thursday night in the Meeting Room from 6-7:30pm. Over 25 people participated in the festivities that included a presentation, a tour of the exhibit, and of course food!
Dr. George C. Rable discussed Abraham Lincoln’s Civil Religion and examined how the complex and controversial story of Lincoln’s own beliefs became part of the larger story of religion during the American Civil War. By exploring Lincoln’s private thoughts and public statements on topics such as providence, the divine will, war, emancipation, and death, Dr. Rable revealed how the President both reflected and transcended his era.
George C. Rable is the Charles G. Summersell Chair in Southern History at the University of Alabama. A native of Lima, Ohio, he received his B.A from Bluffton College (1972), his M.A from Louisiana State University (1973), and his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University (1978). He served as President of the Society of Civil War Historians from 2004-2008. His books include: Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!, The Confederate Republic: A Revolution Against Politics, Civil Wars: Women and the Crisis of Southern Nationalism , and But There Was No Peace: The Role of Violence in the Politics of Reconstruction. He is currently writing a book with the working title, “A Religious History of the American Civil War.”
Be sure to check out future events listed under the “Programs/Events” section of this blog. Also, photos of the exhibit as well as all events included in the “Photos” section.
All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, call Mona K. Vance at 662-329-5304.
