Sponsored by Drew's Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, the Symposium will feature presentations on: Lincoln in Whitman's Poetry; The Election of 1860 in New Jersey; Lincoln on Leadership: A Model for Today; The Four Vice Presidents – The Election of 1860; and Lincoln From Across the Sea: Foreigners' Views of Lincoln.

According to William Rogers, associate dean of the Caspersen School and Lincoln scholar, more books have been written about Lincoln than any other American, yet he remains a mystery.

"There are as many half truths and rumors about him as there are actual facts. Many argue that it was Lincoln who changed the course of American history with his redefinition of the Civil War as seen in the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the Second Inaugural Address. Others call him a dictator, a reluctant emancipator, and a racist.

"Many welcome his vision, but many criticize it, blaming Lincoln for many of the problems of today," Rogers said. "Our symposium seeks to take a deeper look at our 16th president, trying to better understand him in his own time and his significance for Americans ever since."

The event is open to the public. There is a registration fee of $15 which covers lunch and refreshments. For more information contact Rogers at 973/408-3283 or e-mail wrogers@drew.edu