James Garfield Coin Will Be Unveiled At President's Mentor Home

will host a special ceremoney for the unveiling of a $1 coin that will feature the president's likeness 10 a.m. Thursday.

The coin is the latest in a series from the U.S. Mint honoring the country's presidents.

The ceremony will include a keynote address by Dr. Allan Peskin, a professor of history at Cleveland State University who wrote Garfield, a biography of the president.

Additionally, the Lake County Bar Association sponsored an essay/poetry contest and a coin design contest for area school students. The winners of these contests will be announced during the ceremony.

"We are so pleased and excited to host this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Sherda Williams, the park's superintendent.

The first 500 kids who come to the ceremony will get a free Garfield coin. Adults who wish to have one can exchange for it with the , who will be on site.

After the ceremony, guests can tour President Garfield's Mentor home.

The ceremony is free, as is parking. However, there will only be limited seating at the outdoor ceremony. Consequently, people are welcome to bring their own folding or lawn chairs.

If the parking lot at the national historic site fills, additional parking will be available at . A free shuttle will run between the two Garfield parks.