Mentor Public Library To Host Special Program On President Garfield & African Americans

James A. Garfield National Historic Site and the Mentor Public Library will cohost a special event focusing on President Garfield and his work with African Americans at noon this Wednesday in the .

Using materials from the president’s diaries, letters, and speeches, Park Ranger Alan Gephardt will examine Garfield’s evolving views on African Americans and his commitment to protecting their civil and political rights throughout his congressional and presidential careers.

The free program is entitled 'The Greatest Political Change We Have Known': James A. Garfield, Slavery, and Justice in the Civil War Era.

"We’re currently in the midst of the so this is a perfect time to host a program on this subject," said Todd Arrington, the chief of interpretation and education at James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

"James A. Garfield argued for abolition before the war, fought for the Union to end slavery during it and advocated in Congress for African Americans for 17 years."

This presentation is free of charge and will be held in the Library’s James R. Garfield Community Room. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.

While the event is free, participants are asked to register for the program online or by calling 440-255-8811 ext. 215.