Lincoln expert to lecture at SUNY Orange on Feb. 13

MIDDLETOWN — Dr. Louis P. Masur, one of New Jersey’s top professors and a Lincoln expert, will present a lecture at SUNY Orange on Thursday, Feb. 13, the day after Lincoln’s birthday.

Entitled "'Broken Eggs Cannot Be Mended:' Abraham Lincoln and the Struggle for Freedom," the presentation starts at 7 p.m. in Orange Hall Gallery which is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview avenues in Middletown.

The lecture will trace the evolution of Lincoln's ideas about emancipation and his thoughts about the place of blacks in American society. Also, such questions as Lincoln’s belief in colonization, his defense of the Emancipation Proclamation and enlistment of black troops and his ideas about racial justice and rights will be examined and discussed.

Masur is an engaging speaker as he deals with the human side and circumstances during which Lincoln lived and guided the nation. Masur describes himself as “an American cultural historian.” His interdisciplinary approach serves as a guide as he delves into history and brings his audience along for the ride.

Masur holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Buffalo and a doctorate from Princeton University.

He is a Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University.

He has received numerous awards and honors. In addition, he is the author of seven books on various topics. His latest publication, "Lincoln’s Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation and the War for the Union" was awarded the best book of 2012 prize from the Abraham Lincoln Institute and the North Jersey Civil War Roundtable.

For more information, contact the college's Cultural Affairs Office at 845-341-4891 or online at www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.