LINCOLN  KALAMAZOO VISIT SESQUICENTENNIAL

Program of Events

Monday August 21, 2006

Kalamazoo Public Library - VanDeusen Room 

7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.   Book Discussion – Manhunt by James L. Swanson

In his book, Manhunt, author Swanson follows the twelve day chase of Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, from Washington, D.C. across the swamps of Maryland and into the forests of Virginia.

The Kalamazoo Public Library will offer a panel discussion of Manhunt from differing points of view.

Panel Moderator:
State Senator Tom George, Kalamazoo, MI

Panelists:

Margean Gladysz, Kalamazoo, MI  Former Kalamazoo Public Library community information librarian, member Kalamazoo Area Civil War Roundtable and Albert Castel Award Committee.

Ralph Gordon, MD, Kalamazoo, MI   Author of a number of books on medical history, especially during the Civil War.  Member of the Society of Civil War Surgeons, Inc., Osler Society and Kalamazoo Civil War Roundtable.

Thomas B. Mudd, Saginaw, MI  Mr. Mudd is the great- grandson of Dr. Samuel B. Mudd, the physician who treated Booth's broken leg following the Lincoln assassination.

Note:  Kalamazoo Public Library and Barnes and Noble will have a special book sale at the library this evening.

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Tuesday August 22, 2006

Kalamazoo Public Library - VanDeusen Room

7:00 P.M.    Abraham and Mary Lincoln – A House Divided

"Ambition" and "We Are Elected" Video segments from the PBS series "American Experience".                   

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Wednesday August 23, 2006

Kalamazoo Public Library - VanDeusen Room

7:00 P.M.    Behind Enemy Lines – the life of Sarah Emma Edmonds – aka Franklin Thompson

Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted in a Michigan volunteer infantry company as Franklin Thompson, successfully evading detection as a woman for a year.  As Franklin Thompson Sarah participated in the Battle of Blackburn's Ford, First Bull Run/ Manassas, the Peninsular Campaign, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Sarah Edmonds sometimes served as a spy, "disguised" as a woman (Bridget O'Shea) or as a black man.

Her story will be presented by re-enactor Sally Redinger, a retired teacher from Mattawan Public Schools and Civil War re-enactor for 20 years.

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Thursday August 24, 2006

Portage Public Library – Lower Level Meeting rooms

7:00 P.M.   Lincoln's Visit to Kalamazoo

Senator Tom George will provide an overview of the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's only visit to Michigan, his 1856 visit to Kalamazoo.  Lincoln journeyed to Kalamazoo to speak on behalf of Presidential Candidate John Fremont.  An analysis of the visit and the Kalamazoo speech lends insight into Lincoln's own rise to power and maturation of his views on slavery and the fate of the Union.

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Saturday August 26, 2006  

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.   Kid's day in the mid 1800’s – Bronson Park

Hands-on fun for children to enjoy, including some of the games and chores familiar to young people at the time of the Lincoln visit.

Make a 1850s flag that could be carried in the Sunday walk to the museum.  Note: U.S. flag in use during Lincoln’s visit was a 31 Star Flag. During his presidency it was the 33 Star Flag.

Afternoon: At the Museum – Stryker Theater

The afternoon Master of Ceremonies will be Dr. Pat Norris, Museum Director

1:30 P.M.   Lincoln in Kalamazoo!

Senator Tom George wrote and produced this documentary video.

2:00 P.M.   “Lincoln:  A Full Measure of Greatness”

Dr. William Anderson, State of Michigan, Director Department of History, Arts and Libraries.

3:00 P.M.  The Musical Note In Lincoln's Life

Dr. Weldon Petz, Lincoln Historian.  Although Lincoln did not play an instrument he enjoyed music including opera.  Dr. Petz will share insight on the role music played in the life of Abraham Lincoln. 

4:00 P.M.   End Afternoon Program

Picnic in the park – Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the park. 

Or join the Kalamazoo Civil War Round Table for their special speaker reception, dinner and program at the Kalamazoo Ladies Library Association. This event is open to the public but advance reservations and ticket purchase are required. Your ticket for the evening includes:
 

5:30 P.M.   Enjoy coffee or iced tea at the Ladies Library

Meet the speakers from this afternoon's program as well as our evening speaker, Daniel W. Stowell.
 

6:30 P.M.   Dinner

7:30 P.M.   Lincoln the Lawyer

Dr. Daniel W. Stowell, Director, Lincoln Legal Papers, will talk about the legal practice of Abraham Lincoln  and the work he would have been involved with at the time he came to Kalamazoo.
 

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Sunday August 27, 2006

Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose Street

The first floor of the Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) will be open from 1:00P.M. to 5:00P.M. so you can enjoy their Lincoln exhibits.

Be sure to look for library staff in costume of the 1850's and a fabulous mannequin display of dresses from various walks of life in the mid 1800's courtesy of KPL and Patti Borrello Civil War Era Clothing Reproductions.

In addition to the displays, the KPL and Barnes and Noble will have a special book sale at the library this afternoon.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum at 230 N. Rose Street will also be open from 1:00P.M.  to 5:00P.M. so that you might enjoy their displays.

The KPL, United Methodist Church behind the Rotary Stage and the Museum are air conditioned so you can cool down if the weather is hot.  Water and rest rooms will also be available at these locations.

A small group from the 1^st Michigan Infantry Regiment Re-enactment Unit in Kalamazoo will be attending in uniform this afternoon to mix with the crowd and  answer questions about military life in the 1850’s

Afternoon:  
Kalamazoo Valley Museum – Bronson Park – Rotary Stage – Kalamazoo Public Library

1:30 P.M.   Meet Mr. Lincoln at the Museum!

Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed by Fred and Bonnie Priebe. Photo Fred Priebe

Here is an opportunity to meet and have your picture taken (bring your own camera) with our own Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, civil war re-enactors and members of the Dodworth Saxhorn Band who will be in period costume. Abraham Lincoln will be portrayed by Fred Priebe. Bonnie Priebe will be with him in the roll of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Our feature band this afternoon will be the “Dodworth Saxhorn Band” of Ann Arbor, Michigan with their original “Saxhorn” instruments and dress of the mid-1800s. A saxhorn is a brass wind instrument that resembles a bugle with valves and is played “over the shoulder” with sound coming out the back.   

2:00 P.M.   Escort Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln to Bronson Park!

Everyone is encouraged to come in 1850’s costume and join Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and the Dodworth group as they travel from the front of the Museum to the Bronson Park stage for the speech. Kids who made flags of the period during the Saturday afternoon program are urged to bring them to wave as they participate in the walk to the park.

2:30 P.M.   Opening Remarks 

Dr. Pat Norris, Director, Kalamazoo Valley Museum will serve as our Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon program.

2:30 P.M.   Background on the Lincoln Visit

Senator Tom George will provide a profile of Lincoln covering his work, why he was asked to speak in Michigan, and his position in the political world at the time of his visit to Michigan.

2:45 P.M.   Re enactment of the Kalamazoo Speech

Fred Priebe of Belleville, Michigan, will deliver the speech given by Mr. Lincoln 150 years ago. His wife, Bonnie, will attend with him as Mrs. Lincoln. 

3:30 P.M.   Music in the Park!

The Dodworth Saxhorn Band will perform music of the 1850’s.  

4:15 P.M.   Rededication of the “Lincoln at Kalamazoo” Michigan Historical Marker

Honored guests for the rededication include:  

Congressman Fred Upton, 6^th District (Invited)

Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Governor State of Michigan (Invited)   

State Senator Tom George, 20th District

Representative Alexander Lipsey  (Invited)

Dr. William Anderson, State of Michigan Director, History Arts Libraries

Bob Brink, Chairperson Kalamazoo Country Board of Commissioners (Invited)

Mary Balkema,  City Commissioner, City of Kalamazoo

4:45 P.M.   The “Dodworth Saxhorn Band” continue the concert      

5:30 P.M.   Close of Celebration

Picnic in the park – Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the park the rest of the evening.

IN CASE OF RAIN THIS AFTERNOON'S CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD
ON THE MAIN STAGE OF THE AUDITORIUM IN THE CIVIC THEATER. 
THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF
SOUTH AND PARK STREETS, ACROSS FROM BRONSON PARK.

PARKING IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA

There is parking behind the library at the corner of Rose and Lovell.
Monday- Friday it is limited to two hour parking at a cost of $.75 per hour.

Weekends and evenings are free with no time limits.

City metered spots and unattended lots offer free parking after 5 P.M. weekdays

and all day Sunday. 

The Epic Center Ramp also offers free parking on Sunday. 

Rates at attended lots vary but offer free parking on Sunday.  

The Radisson Parking Ramp also offers free parking on Sunday

or $1.00 per hr 7:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday- Saturday.

Printable program

This information was provided  by the office of Senator Tom George.

Printable program

Lincoln photo Library of Congress