In his portrayal as Abraham Lincoln, Bob Gleason will talk about the formative years of this great man through his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd, the beginnings and development of his abolitionist view point, and his first, though not very successful trip to Congress. Discussion points will lay out the causes leading up to the war, both societal and economic and major events and turning points within the War itself.  Gleason will expand upon how he raised himself up from his humble beginnings to become the man who managed to pass the emancipation proclamation, to unite a splintered nation, and reaffirm through his Gettysburg Address the nation’s dedication to freedom, democracy and equality. For more information contact (201) 529-7323. This program is sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.