On Friday, January 20, the Friends of the Lincoln Collection received a check in the amount of $50,000 from the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The gift will support the Allen County Public Library’s Rolland Center for Lincoln Research whose mission is to celebrate and promote the extensive collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts known as the Lincoln Collection that the Library curates on behalf of the State of Indiana.
“The Daughters of the American Revolution’s missions are Patriotism, History and Education,” said Benita Steyer, Regent of the Mary Penrose Wayne DAR Chapter. “The Rolland Center’s physical displays and digital interactive focus bring to life the History of Abraham Lincoln’s Patriotism and educates families to our 16th Commander in Chief’s presidency and family. Recognizing our common missions, we are pleased to be able to present this check to the Allen County Public Library Rolland Center for Lincoln Research.”
The library will be naming the Lincoln Librarians’ Workroom in honor of the donation. It will be known as the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Workroom in honor of Jeanette Sterling.
“We are so honored and grateful for this gift from our local DAR chapter and the impact it will have on the Lincoln Collection, the Allen County community and beyond,” said ACPL Director of Special Collections Curt Witcher. “It is an amazing thing when the community rallies around preserving our history and celebrating the impact of Abraham Lincoln on our national story.”
The public can view the collection, which is updated and curated regularly by expert Lincoln Librarians, at the Library’s Main Branch (900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne). There is no charge to visit. Hours of operation can be found on the ACPL website.