The 7th annual Lincoln Lecture in commemoration of Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12 will feature Ron J. Keller, associate professor of history and political science at Lincoln College and director of the Lincoln Heritage Museum. Keller will speak on “Who Does This Guy Think He Is?? 150 Years of Living, Loving and Loathing Lincoln’s Legacy.” The presentation begins at 9 a.m. in the Trutter Center.

Keller says his presentation will address the Lincoln legacy. ”From the moment of his tragic assassination 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln was catapulted immediately into the annals of American greatness. Ever since then, America has emulated him, adored him, written about him and argued about him. While most consider him our greatest president, there have been some groups and individuals who have resisted and even scorned his legacy. Lincoln has, and remains, a more controversial and polarizing historical figure than many realize.”

Drawing upon quotes, images and other iconography in this presentation, Keller examines the disparate public and private perceptions of Lincoln. This presentation will challenge the audience to ponder what Lincoln’s legacy means to us today, and what these perceptions say about America’s past and present.