On Display Now
Three large exhibit cases in the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research are available for public viewing at the Allen County Public Library located at 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
April 1865
Here at the 160th anniversary of the fall of the Confederate capital at Richmond, Virginia, General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union general Ulysses S. Grant, and President Lincoln’s assassination, the exhibit explores a pivotal month at the close of the Civil War. Between April 3 and April 15, the North’s jubilation at an imminent end to four years of bloodshed suddenly turned to grief and mourning for the martyred President, who died for his belief that some Black men should be granted the right to vote. Join us in learning more about these two decisive weeks in American history. The exhibit can be viewed during normal library hours from February 28, 2025, through the end of the year; there is no cost to visit.
The Fall of Richmond:
Our new exhibit starts with the fall of Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capitol, on April 3, 1865. In this case, you will find fine art, photographs, sheet music, drumsticks, and more! Explore how the city fell out of Confederate control and into Union hands.
Surrender at Appomattox:
As the Confederate army fled Richmond, the Union gave chase. In this case, a Civil War rifle, fine art, letters, and other items detail the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. Through these items, learn how the surrender marked the beginning of the end of the Confederate rebellion.
Murder at the Theater:
Finally, our exhibit ends with the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865. Learn about the conspirators, including John Wilkes Booth, who carried out the assassination, through fine art, photographs, and a Deringer pistol identical to the one used to kill the President. Explore how the assassin got away and was found on April 26, 1865. This case also includes a bust of Abraham Lincoln sculpted by Willis S. Clark.
Small Exhibit Cases:
Through our small exhibit cases, explore Abraham Lincoln’s final days through the amnesty and discharge notes he wrote and examine the ribbons of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization that brought together Civil War veterans.
In addition to the three large exhibit cases, the Rolland Center also has a smaller case which is rotated more frequently. Check out this temporary exhibit:
Behind the Curtain: Mary Lincoln and Her Struggle with Mental Health:
Visit to reflect on the life of Mary Lincoln following the death of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. Explore a selection of the collection’s hidden gems from the last twenty years of this former first lady’s life when her struggle with her mental health became apparent. Notable items featured in this exhibit include legal documents from her “insanity” trial. Mary lived during a time of profound social change, including how mental health was viewed. However, the broad avenues of support that can be found today were not available in Mary’s lifetime.