RACHEL ZOLL/AP Religion Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) _ Evangelist Billy Graham ended his crusades two years ago. But a new $27 million museum will carry on his work after the frail 88-year-old is gone.

On Thursday, former Presidents Carter, Clinton and George H.W. Bush were expected to be among 1,500 well-wishers at the private dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte.

The 40,000-square-foot complex, built near the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, traces the preacher's rise from farm boy to the most widely heard minister of all time. Over his long career he preached the Gospel in person to more than 210 million people.

``Even after my father is in heaven, whenever that day will be, it will be an opportunity to extend his ministry for several generations,'' said the Rev. Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son and successor, who serves as chief executive of the evangelistic association.

Billy Graham suffers from fluid on the brain, prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease, and is largely confined to his home in Montreat. His wife Ruth, 86, has degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck and is bedridden at their home.

Franklin Graham said his father is strong enough to appear at the dedication, but ``he's preoccupied right now with my mother. She is very weak.''

``She's aware of what's happening. Her mind is sharp,'' Franklin Graham told The Associated Press. ``But we're just concerned that she won't be around with us much longer.''

Billy Graham, who has met every president since Harry S. Truman, initially opposed plans for the presidential-style library, his son said. But he agreed when Franklin Graham explained that it was not meant as a monument to him.

``We presented it to him that this is a ministry,'' Franklin Graham said. ``It's about the message you preached and what you dedicated your life to.''

The museum, which is set to open Tuesday, will be free to the public.

The dairy farm where Billy Graham grew up is just a few miles from the site of the library and the building design reflects his roots. The entrance looks like a barn and has a 40-foot glass cross for a front door. Hay bales and a 1936 farm truck decorate the lobby, along with an animatronic cow named Bessie that talks about Billy Graham as a young boy.

Critics dubbed the animal the ``Golden Calf,'' saying it wasn't appropriate for honoring the evangelist. Franklin Graham said it was critical to include displays appealing to kids.

The exhibits highlight Billy Graham's close ties to U.S. presidents, his pioneering use of radio, TV and film for evangelism and his role as America's pastor _ comforting the nation during crises, most recently after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The evangelist's childhood home was also moved to the site and restored.

Billy Graham's children have been divided over where their parents should be buried _ at the library or at The Cove, a Bible training center near the Grahams' mountainside home at Montreat. Franklin Graham believes his parents have decided the location, but ``haven't made that public yet.''

On the Net:

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: http://www.billygraham.org