Calendar

Illinois' path to statehood was complex and significantly shaped by treaties with Native American tribes. At the time, Illinois was a sparsely populated territory, home to a mix of Native Americans, European settlers, and African American communities—both free and enslaved. Dr. Wiant will discuss the events and treaties that displaced tribes from the Illinois territory, leading to the eventual removal of tribes to reservations west of the Mississippi River.

Considering President Lincoln is widely recognized as the most written about person in American history, it should come as no surprise that he’s the most frequently portrayed American historical figure in the history of movies and television. Lincoln has appeared onscreen as a character in more than 250 productions since the birth of motion pictures.

You’re invited to join Mark S. Reinhart, the author of Abraham Lincoln on Screen, for a cinematic journey covering the history of Lincoln-related screen works from the silent film era right up through present day, including Steven Spielberg’s award-winning 2012 film Lincoln. Reinhart will reveal what filmmakers got right and where they failed with historical accuracy, and he’ll take a critical look at the artistic merits of the more important film works.

Plus, Reinhart will share video clips throughout the presentation, including scenes from ultra-rare works such as the 1924 silent feature The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln, and the stunning 1956 CBS Television production The Day Lincoln was Shot starring Raymond Massey.

This special program will happen on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Library’s Union Theater. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Mark S. Reinhart will have signed copies of Abraham Lincoln on Screen available for purchase after the program.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark S. Reinhart is an author/musician who lives in Columbus, Ohio. His books Abraham Lincoln on Screen (2024), The Batman Filmography (2013) and Chet Atkins: The Greatest Songs of Mister Guitar (2014) are available through the academic publisher McFarland & Company. Mark has presented lectures about Lincoln-related film and television at libraries and museums throughout the United States. He has been a contributor to several Batman-related websites including Batman on Film, DC Collectors, and 13th Dimension. Mark regularly performs in central Ohio as a singer/guitarist with his bands RMT and Shucking Bubba Acoustic.