Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to walk in Abe Lincoln’s size 14 shoes? What would it have been like to live during such a time of turmoil in US history? Could you have risen from poverty and through only self teaching rise to the office of presidency?

What about the other way around, how would Lincoln fare in modern times? Would his “honest Abe” persona be charismatic enough to win over voters? Would people be able to see past the crooked nose and top hat to accept his revolutionary ideas? What would his campaign for the presidential election look like? 

It is those questions and more you have the opportunity to answer in the “Discover Lincoln” contest. The contest is free to enter and explores this concept in each of five different mediums.  You can make a one minute campaign video, an 8.5 by 11 poster, an up to 160 word speech, a 3 by 11 design of a bumper sticker, and a 1.25 by 3 diameter campaign button. The deadline is Oct 20th and there is no limit to the number of entries you may submit.  Winners will be announced Friday Oct. 26 and entries will be displayed in the Library. For details visit

http://www.genesee.edu/library/about-the-library/lincoln-discovery-contest/

On Wednesday October 17 at 12:30, Gcc History instructor Derek Maxfield with present a lecture “What’s so Great about Lincoln” in the Forum. Maxfield is also  founder and coordinator of the College’s Civil War Initiative.

Also on Saturday, Oct 20 at 12:30 pm the Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum Corps will perform in the Forum. This performance of traditional music from the era of the civil war is often seen during re-enactments. The actors will also offer young people a “School of the Soldier” program, so they may join in the experience.

The month long celebration of Abraham Lincoln also includes a self guided exhibit in the Alfred O’Connell Library. The exhibit was organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute and includes a collection of pictures, memorabilia,quotes and brief summaries of his life.

There is so much to be inspired by when you consider the determination and overwhelming obstacles that Lincoln overcame in his lifetime. The work he did allowed this great nation to begin live up to the promises of  live liberty and justice for all, stated  in our constitution. Imagine the generations of revolutionaries and dreamers who could not have existed had he not paved the way. Lincoln truly was “a man of his time, a man for all times.”