AUBURN — The year 2012 marks another year in the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s term as president and the one in which he issued the Emancipation Proclamation. In commemoration of these events Charles W. Plummer, who is widely known for his lectures on the Civil War and his living history performances, will be presenting a talk at the Auburn Public Library on Oct. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the life of Lincoln and his gift as a storyteller and humorist.

During the first half of the presentation, Plummer will share highlights of Lincoln’s life and what it was like to know him, the ideas that formed the core of his understanding of American politics, why he opposed slavery and the leadership skills that he possessed to guide the divided nation through the Civil War which resulted in the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery.

During the second half Plummer will focus on Lincoln’s skill as a story teller and humorist and show how he sprinkled his conversation with humorous stories and anecdotes which he used as a persuasive tool in dealing with his political opponents, critics and other adversaries including members of his cabinet and his generals.

Plummer will share a number of these stories and anecdotes which he is sure will elicit laughter from the audience. Two of his favorite Lincoln quotes, which he feels some politicians ought to keep in mind, are: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt,” and “The time comes upon every public man when it is best to keep his lips closed.”