Richard F. “Fritz” Klein will perform as President Abraham Lincoln at the Civil War Dedication slated for May 30 at 2 p.m. in front of the Tyler County Courthouse, Middlebourne.

Klein is with the Lincoln Institute for Education, Inc., Springfield, Ill.

“Being honest Abe is hard but rewarding work,” states Klein, who has been portraying the 16th President for more than 30 years and is considered one of the nation’s foremost Lincoln interpreters.

Klein’s missions: to make Lincoln and his period of history come alive.

Klein was born in 1948 and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Concordia College in Ft. Wayne, Ind. in 1970 an began acting as a hobby in 1975.

The first time he was asked to portray Abraham Lincoln was in 1976 at a municipal celebration of the nation’s bicentennial. He began acting full-time in 1980.

Since then, the role has taken him to some 35 states for film and television, on stage, and as a motivational speaker.

He now resides in Springfield with his wife and family, where her performs for some of the city’s 500,000 annual visitors. From there he also travels to points across the nation on tours, and by special invitation.

Some of his films include “Lincoln’s Last Night,” and “Lost River.” “Abraham Lincoln-American Mastermind” National Geographic. “Journey to Greatness,” “Lincoln Legacy Series,” “The trial of Abraham Lincoln” “Liberty University.” “No Retreat,” as well as several spots on the history channel.

“We feel very fortunate to have a person with such great knowledge of Lincoln at our Dedication to represent President Lincoln,” states Bob Tippins, Project Director for the Civil War Monument. “You will not want to miss this most historical event for yourself or your family as President Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President arrives in Middlebourne.”

He will arrive on Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. and will be escorted down Main Street by Dave Wells and his carriage, along with several Civil War Reinactors.