LINCOLN - Postville Courthouse volunteer coordinator Shirley Bartelmay keeps asking the same question as she strolls around the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln once practiced law.

"Did Abe Lincoln walk right here where I am standing?" she wonders. "I ask myself that every day. Everyone does, and that's why we have to keep working to make sure we continue to bring new items to this courthouse."

Bartelmay was on hand earlier this week as the courthouse unveiled its newest attraction, an interpretive wayside exhibit. It's part of a series of more than 40 signs to be developed and installed throughout Logan County to identify and interpret Abraham Lincoln attractions.

The exhibit was made possible through a donation by Bernard and Anastasia Behrends, and it features an illustration of Lincoln, Judge Samuel Treat and Sheriff John Deskins at the courthouse. It was drawn by noted Lincoln artist Lloyd Ostendorf.

"There is so much history on this site, and this just adds to it," Bartelmay said. "We are so excited to be able to add new items, and this will be a wonderful addition."

The town of Postville later became the city of Lincoln and was a stop for the future president as he traveled the 8th Judicial Circuit.

The exhibit, just outside the main entrance at the Postville Courthouse, is the second sign produced in connection with the Abraham Lincoln Heritage Foundation of Logan County.

"Being able to contribute to something like this makes me feel proud," Bernard Behrends said. "I grew up in Lincoln and, in my youth, was able to meet a lot of people who could tell a number of great stories about Lincoln and his time here."

Logan County historian Paul Beaver said a new technique has made it possible to display exhibits with detailed art, such as the drawing by Ostendorf.

"It doesn't use glass, and it doesn't get destroyed by the elements," Beaver said. "It's perfect for our purposes because we have a lot of art, and it needs to be displayed."

Geoff Ladd, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, said it is encouraging for more exhibits to be added to Logan County while tourism budgets have been cut statewide.

"It's a testament to our volunteers and people such and the Behrends, who feel strongly about our history and want to see new items added," Ladd said. "This courthouse is real history, and to have the items here that we have is a tribute to those who have worked over the years to preserve it."

kbarlow@pantagraph.com