Cornell University is honoring the 16th US President with a rare exhibit.

The writings and signings of of Abraham Lincoln, including a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address.

Action News reporter Reed Buterbaugh tells us what insights they give us into Lincoln.

Three scores ago Cornell University received one of the five remaining copies of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

It was one of the final pieces to an elaborate collection of work from one of the country's most revered presidents.

"One of the co-founders of Cornell was a book collector and historian and he gathered many materials documenting the Civil War in his own collection," said Katherine Reagan with Cornell University.

Cornell opened up this exhibit at the Kroch Library.

It gives the public a view inside Lincoln's mind while he worked to bring together a war-torn nation.

Developments in photography allowed historians to document Lincoln's life like no previous president.

"Which means that we do have this remarkable rich archive of Lincoln what he looked in a way that would not have been possible a generation before Lincoln," said Reagan.

A skilled lawyer prior to becoming a politician, Lincoln was well-versed in public speaking.

Cornell researchers say his meticulous use of the language allowed him to deliver such a memorable speech like the Gettysburg Address in just a few minutes.

"He's also a brilliant writer and he really can state things in ways that are clear and are concise," said Elaine Engst, Director of Rare Manuscript at Cornell University.

Cornell also has one of only two copies of the Emancipation Proclamation.

And the 13th Amendment signed by Lincoln.

The documents abolished slavery.

"It's really a wonderful occasion for us," Engst said. "We are really thrilled to be able to share all of these documents with the public with everybody that will come and see it."

The exhibit also features artifacts from the public outcry after his Lincoln's assassination early on in his second term.

The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday until April 16th.

And Saturday while classes are in session.

Cornell will be offering an online exhibit for those who can't visit the Ithaca campus.