Lincoln, civil liberties and war

If you're confused by the debates about domestic spying, the Patriot Act and the whole issue of presidential power during the war on terror, you can get some perspective at the Lincoln Museum. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln's government declared martial law, arrested Southern sympathizers, imposed a military draft and ultimately freed the slaves -- all in the name of saving the union.

The museum has put together a special exhibit called "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War." It shows how Lincoln wrestled with the ways the Constitution protected slavery and how he justified his war powers. One of interactive displays tells what happened to each of six individuals accused of supporting the Confederacy. The exhibit notes that tough questions of civil liberties in wartime still apply today.

The museum is at 200 E. Berry St., in the same building with the Main Library. It is open from 10 to 5 Tuesdsay through Saturday and 1 to 5 on Sundays. General admission is $4.99.