photo by: Contributed

The Watkins Museum of History will host the debut of a traveling exhibit about the life of abolitionist John Brown.

The exhibit, built by Overland Traveling Exhibits, will open at the museum in downtown Lawrence on Sept. 4. It tells the story of Brown’s involvement in the pre-Civil War anti-slavery movement and the violent clashes in the mid-1850s, through the eyes of key historical figures he met, such as Frederick Douglass, Robert E. Lee and Harriet Tubman, according to a news release from Watkins.

The exhibit will feature expressive portraits from artist Brad Sneed to explore Brown’s story, from his abolitionist roots in Ohio to his role in the violence of the “Bleeding Kansas” era to his plan to start a slave insurrection, beginning with the taking of Harpers Ferry.

Sneed is an artist and book illustrator who lives in Prairie Village, Kansas. He has illustrated more than 20 books throughout his career. His illustrations have also appeared in newspapers, magazines and product packaging.

The exhibit will be on display at Watkins through Nov. 6.

Tickets are available online or at the door. Cost is $5 for museum members, $10 for adults and $5 for students; children under 5 are free.