Log in Search term Find Show search options Catalog Website Explore Using the Library Research New & Notable Events News The Allen County Public Library is partnering with the Friends of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana to create the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research. The Center is scheduled to open fall 2021 in the Main Library and will highlight the thousands of amazing items in the Lincoln Collection that are currently housed and curated by ACPL. These include original photographs of Abraham Lincoln, his family, Cabinet members, and generals; letters and documents to and from Lincoln; diaries of Civil War soldiers; and so much more. The Collection is currently located in the lower levels of the Main Library. The Center will also incorporate an expert-in-residence program. That expert may be a scholar, artist, or someone else who works with the materials in the Collection to further an understanding of Lincoln. There are four points that serve as the North Star for the Rolland Center, guiding the project team members as they work through the planning and construction process. Connect people to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Display and bring to life this incomparable collection of Lincoln materials. Deliver a 21st century engaging experience. Make the Center a destination for people inside and outside of our community. ACPL has two Lincoln Librarians on staff. Those librarians have begun the process of organizing the materials and developing storylines for the exhibit. They will focus on the following themes: Lincoln overview Lincoln family album Lawyer & legislator Elections Commander-in-Chief Slavery/Emancipation Proclamation These themes will be expanded upon through a combination of the physical items in the Lincoln Collection and digital interactive displays. This will not be a typical museum experience. Instead, we will use technology in such a way that individuals of varying abilities, ages, and knowledge levels will be able to fully engage with the Collection. The Center will be located in the Great Hall near the Plaza entrance. It will use the space currently known as Bays 2 and 3, and will extend a bit into Readers’ Services. The entire project is being funded by the Friends of the Lincoln Collection. ACPL will not be responsible for costs related to construction, technology, etc. Construction began in January 2021 and continues at a steady pace. The pandemic has impacted the supply chains and construction, so the Center currently plans on opening in late summer 2021. We will continue to share updates about the Rolland Center as we move forward in the process. We hope you share our excitement for this project and the new opportunity it provides to enrich our community through lifelong learning and discovery. Rolland Center FAQs. For more information about the Rolland Center and the Lincoln Collection, contact us at Lincoln@acpl.info 900 Library Plaza Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 421-1200 ask@acpl.info About ACPL Careers Contact Us Donate Volunteer Indiana Gateway Accessibility Statement Privacy Statement © Allen County Public Library 2021