POTSDAM -- “Portraits of Potsdam People,” an exhibition at the Potsdam Public Museum, will open Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. as part of the museum’s holiday open house.

The exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of people like Emma Brooks of Parishville. Born in 1818, she married Phineas Gurley, also raised in Parishville. He attended seminary school and they moved to Washington D.C., where they met a young Abraham Lincoln, who had just been elected president.

Lincoln and Gurley hit it off, the museum said. Gurley's daughter, Fannie, was engaged to a young cadet from Potsdam attending West Point. His name was William Elderkin.

Elderkin Street in Potsdam is named after his father, Noble Strong Elderkin. As war broke out between the north and the south, Lincoln thought it would be nice that the couple marry before Elderkin shipped off to the front. He arranged and attended the wedding.

The full details can be found in the exhibition at the museum.

There are hundreds of early photographs on display along with framed oil portraits, stereoscopic images and items from various families.

A history of early Potsdam studio photographers and a box camera are part of the exhibit.

The free opening will include live music by Michael Welch and Andy Van Duyne.

Refreshments will be served.

Info: www.PotsdamPublicMuseum.org or 265-6910