Library unveils historical exhibits

Two rare historical exhibits were unveiled at the University of Louisiana at Monroe's library on Tuesday.
The new exhibits, which were placed in the library's special collections, include a custom-made display housing an original manuscript of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and a display showcasing an exact replica of The Louisiana Window that is housed at Westminster Abbey.
Both exhibits were donated by Linda Noe Laine of New York, a long-time supporter of ULM and daughter of former Louisiana Gov. James E. Noe.
Laine said she was thrilled to see the displays housed at ULM — an institution she has been involved with since childhood.
"I think it's remarkable," she said. "My dream came true."
The authenticated manuscript of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," written in Julia Ward Howe's own handwriting, is encased in a wooden display alongside a rare photograph of Howe.
The case is accompanied by a state-of-the-art sound dome that plays the song while a video monitor shows the ULM Concert Choir and ULM Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Deborah Chandler, as they perform it.
Laine donated the manuscript to the university in 2008.
"I thought it was so special to own such a historic document, and I didn't want to keep it to myself," she said. "I wanted to share it with the community in which I was raised."
The second exhibit features an exact replica of The Louisiana Window, the stained-glass window designed and placed at Westminster Abbey.

Laine donated the original window to the Abbey in memory of her parents, and it was dedicated in 1995.
Laine said the window was created in honor of the men, women and children who helped settle the heartland of the United States and to those individuals of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales who made it possible. It features the Louisiana state seal, the Monroe city seal and the Westminster Abbey seal.
Cyndy Robertson, ULM's coordinator of library special collections, said this donation provides the Monroe community with a rare opportunity to see The Louisiana Window.
"This is something that I am so pleased about," she said. "Very few of our students and residents here in this area will get to go see the stained-glass window, but because of what [Laine] has done, they can see a replica right here in our library."
ULM President Nick Bruno said Laine and her family have made numerous contributions to the university over the years, all of which are vital to attracting top-level students and qualified faculty.
"The university is really blessed to have individuals who have supported this university over the years, and of course [Laine] is one of those," said ULM President Nick Bruno. "It's not an overstatement to say these gifts are the types of gifts that enrich us and enrich this community in which we all live."
Both displays were designed by Jeffrey Bank, Andy Davenport and Paul Stapp of Adler Display Inc. of Maryland.