A special program next week in Ohio will look at how President James A. Garfield viewed African-Americans and his efforts to protect their civil and political rights.

The program at the Mentor Public Library at noon on Wednesday will rely on materials from President Garfield’s diaries, letters, and speeches. It will be presented by Alan Gephardt, a ranger at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

“We’re currently in the midst of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary, so this is a perfect time to host a program on this subject,” said Todd Arrington, the historic site's chief of interpretation and education. “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. Please call Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811 to make a free reservation. Mentor Public Library is located at 8215 Mentor Avenue in Mentor, Ohio.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) in Mentor, Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland.

The site offers guided tours of the Garfield home, museum exhibits, and an introductory film. The National Park Service completely restored the house in the late 1990s, making it one of the most impressive presidential homes preserved for the public. For information call (440) 255-8722, or visit www.nps.gov/jaga on the Internet.