(Radio Iowa) – An actor who closely resembles the United States’ 16th president will be touring Iowa schools and libraries next month, hoping to inspire students to learn about history as well as the man known as the Great Emancipator. Kevin Wood has spent many years studying Abraham Lincoln, learning all there is to know about him so he can give an accurate portrayal.  “Growing up, I always loved history and I spent six years, my junior high and high school years, in Illinois which, as you probably know, is the Land of Lincoln,” Wood says. “I went to a high school in a town where the courthouse is still standing that Abraham Lincoln practiced law in. That all got me interested in history and Lincoln, in particular.”

As one who rose from obscurity to the highest office in the land, Wood says Lincoln can be an inspiration for students today to likewise dream. “It’s a first-person historical presentation, in character the whole time, even during Q-and-A,” Wood says. “Essentially, Mr. Lincoln will talk about his life and times and he’ll start with a little speech he made out at Gettysburg that you might’ve heard of.”

Wood’s first appearances as Lincoln are scheduled for October 4th in Milford and West Bend, with more scheduled during the month in: Fenton, Swea City, Ringsted, Webster City, Marcus, Manning and Glidden.