Welcome to mapoid.com on July 6 2009.
This is an internet experiment running to monitor browsing habbits of individuals through wikipedia contents.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
 This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2009)
ALBC Logo

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC) is a federally appointed 15-member commission focused on planning and commemorating the 200th birthday of the United States' 16th president. Born in 1809, Lincoln's 200th birthday was on February 12, 2009.

The ALBC was established by Public Law 106-173[1] (February 25, 2000), and amended by Public Law 107-20, Title II, section 2804 on July 24, 2001.

Representing a diverse group of political leaders, jurists, scholars and collectors, the commission's 15 members are appointed by the president, the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. The Commissioners include:

Eileen R. Mackevich is the commission's executive director.

Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Sec. Ray LaHood and Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer co-chair the commission.

ALBC offices are located in the Adams Building of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Contents

[edit] Overview

"And now he belongs to the ages."

Established by the United States Congress, the ALBC aims to celebrate the life and legacy of Lincoln while reinvigorating his thoughts, ideals and spirit throughout America and around the world. The commission’s goals highlight numerous projects and cultural events including nine signature events:

Other ALBC tributes slated for the next two years include:

  • New Penny redesign series featuring four new pennies.
  • A new five-dollar bill.
  • 2009 Bicentennial commemorative dollar coin.
  • Four United States Postal Service commemorative Lincoln stamps.
  • Ten Town Hall meetings around the US.
  • A Dedication Day Ceremony in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
  • Rise Up and Hear: An Evening of Poetry Honoring Abraham Lincoln's Legacy - Washington, DC - September 22, 2008.

Additional Lincoln Bicentennial events include:

  • A week-long Lincoln Bicentennial Bike Tour, Tour de Lincoln, from August 16–23, 2008 which begins at Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky and concludes in Springfield, Illinois.
  • An international symposium in Paris, France.
  • Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation Traveling Exhibit.

[edit] State liaisons

Governor-appointed liaisons from each state make up the ALBC's Governor Council. These liaisons serve as a contact point between the national ALBC and their state, and coordinate their own Bicentennial programs and events.

In addition to each liaison, 24 states have established a Lincoln Bicentennial Commission:

[edit] Outreach

The ALBC has collaborated with numerous scholars and public figures as well as cultural and educational institutions to help educate and engage the public. An advisory board features over 150 scholars, politicians and Lincoln enthusiasts. Among them are Michael Beschloss, David Blight, Ken Burns, Richard Carwardine, David Herbert Donald, John Hope Franklin, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, James M. McPherson, Douglas Wilson, Vernon Burton, Mario M. Cuomo, Dr. Roger Wilkins, Jack Kemp and Sam Waterston.

In conjunction with the Library of Congress, the ALBC has also worked to help create an interactive exhibit titled With Malice Toward None. Free to the public and scheduled to open February 12, 2009, the exhibit highlights Lincoln’s ideals and struggles and will feature original speeches, letters, photos and artifacts.

Major organizations supporting Lincoln’s Bicentennial include the New York Historical Society; Huntington Library in San Marino, California; the National Archives in Washington; the Chicago Museum of History; the Newberry Library in Chicago; Organization of American Historians; and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois; the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana; the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History; MOLLUS; the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan; the National Park Service; and C-SPAN.

Other partnerships in formation include Prudential, United Airlines, Motorola, The Kennedy Family Foundation and the Lilly Endowment Foundation.

[edit] Kentucky Inaugural Celebration

On February 11–12, 2008, the ALBC launched its two-year celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday. The two day event began in Louisville at the historic Henry Clay Hotel. Pulitzer Prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin, McConnell Center senior fellow Dr. Thomas Mackey and African-American historian Dr. Gerald L. Smith addressed the crowd during the Lincoln on Leadership Symposium.

That evening, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts hosted A Kentucky Salute to Abraham Lincoln[2]. Popular radio journalist and Louisville native, Bob Edwards served as master of ceremonies. Performances included the Louisville Orchestra and opera soprano Angela Brown. Film producer Jerry Bruckheimer and his wife Linda Bruckheimer, a Kentucky native, welcomed the audience. American composer Peter Schickele premiered his new piece, Lincoln at Ease.

Capping the evening was award-winning actor Sam Waterston and Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer with their critically acclaimed production Lincoln Seen and Heard, a narrated and dramatic presentation of Lincoln’s life.

A snow storm hit that evening and the next morning, on Lincoln's 199th birthday, icy roads forced the cancellation of the formal inaugural ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville, KY.

First Lady Laura Bush was scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Other speakers included United States Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, ALBC Commissioners Tommy Turner and Harold Holzer, U.S. Congressman Ron Lewis (R-KY) and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Award winning actor Sam Waterston was set to narrate the Gettysburg Address. Period music by the famed brass band Saxton's Cornet Band and the American Spiritual Ensemble was also planned.

[edit] Lincoln Mother’s Day Celebration

On May 11, 2008, the ALBC celebrated its second national signature event in Lincoln City, Indiana. Paying tribute to the women in Lincoln’s life, the Lincoln Mother’s Day Celebration also served as the statewide Lincoln Bicentennial kick-off for the Indiana ALBC. However, blustering wind and rainy conditions nearly cancelled the tribute. Scheduled for the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, the commemoration survived after National Park Service relocated the event to the Lincoln State Park.

ALBC Commissioners Joan Flinspach and Dr. Darrel Bigham addressed the audience along with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Congressman Baron Hill.

[edit] Rise Up and Hear: An Evening of Poetry Honoring Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

In collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, the ALBC showcased an evening of poetry and music enjoyed by Lincoln as well as works inspired by his leadership. Featuring a variety of well-known poets and actors, the program included readings of contemporary and classic poems.

Special guests included actors Joan Allen and Sam Waterston. Dana Gioia, poet and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts led the evening festivities. Other attendees included former Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne; ALBC Co-Chair Harold Holzer; Poet and President of the Poetry Foundation John Barr; Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky; and 2008 Poetry Out Loud National Champion Shawntay Henry. The band Dead Man's Hollow performed Lincoln-era music.

The September 22, 2008 event took place at the Sidney Yates Auditorium in the United States Department of Interior.

[edit] Lincoln Memorial Rededication Series

A three-part event, the Lincoln Memorial Rededication Series will feature appearances by some of America’s most notable figures. Attendees may include President Barack Obama, leaders of Congress and members of the Supreme Court.

[edit] February 12, 2009

Birthday Tribute and Wreath-Laying Ceremony - 8:00 AM:
President Barack Obama has been invited to commemorate the 16th president at the Memorial erected following Lincoln’s Centennial. Four-time Grammy-nominated singer Michael Feinstein will sing a new rendition of the National Anthem, accompanied by the U.S. Marine Band. Acclaimed poet and author Nikki Giovanni will recite her new work, written especially for the Bicentennial. Senator Dick Durbin, ALBC Co-Chair, will preside. The Armed Forces Color Guard will present the Colors, and recently retired Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice – and ALBC Commissioner – Frank J. Williams will read the Gettysburg Address with school children from the national capital area. Wreaths will be presented on behalf of the people of the United States, the diplomatic corps, and various hereditary organizations, including the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) in a stirring ceremony.

National Birthday Breakfast – 9:00 AM:
Michael Feinstein’s appearance at the Lincoln Memorial is only a teaser. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he will treat ALBC supporters to a performance of George Gershwin and other favorites from the American Songbook at a breakfast benefiting the on-going work of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Foundation. Proceeds from this event, at $125 per person, benefit the on-going work of the non-profit Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Foundation.

Bicameral Celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday: A Congressional Tribute - 11:30 AM:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Members of the House and Senate will pay tribute to the former legislator from Illinois in the Capitol rotunda. Doris Kearns Goodwin will speak about Lincoln’s presidential leadership, and Richard Norton Smith will address Lincoln’s early years as a state legislator and Member of Congress. ALBC Co-Chair and Transportation Secretary-designate Ray LaHood is master of ceremonies. C-SPAN will provide full coverage of the tribute.

[edit] April 12, 2009

April 12: Naturalization Ceremony The second part of the Lincoln Memorial Rededication Series will combine efforts from the ALBC and National Park Service (NPS). The Marian Anderson Tribute and Naturalization Ceremony will commemorate the African-American opera singer who was denied access to Constitution Hall due to color of her skin. A US citizen naturalization ceremony will follow the tribute.

[edit] May 30, 2009

Replicating the 1922 dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, the National Park Service has invited public figures to the ceremonial Rededication Retrospective of the memorial. This, the third and final part in the Lincoln Memorial Rededication Series, focuses on Lincoln’s achievements and reflects on the many historical events which took place at the memorial. The ALBC is co-sponsoring the retrospective with the NPS. The ceremony takes place exactly four score and seven years (87 years) to the day of the original Lincoln Memorial dedication.

Confirmed Participants and Speakers:

[edit] National Town Hall Meetings

On July 22, 2008 over 30 leaders from the fields of government, non-profit, civics, journalism, arts, humanities and education met with the ALBC. The meeting focused on planning and organizing Town Halls in at least ten cities around the nation. Hosted by the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. meeting attendants included U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), chairman of the ALBC’s town hall initiative; U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), ALBC co-chair; former HUD Secretary Jack Kemp; William H. Gray III, former congressman and president of the United Negro College Fund; and Jim O’Shea, former managing editor of the Los Angeles Times. University of Chicago historians Charles Branham and Adam Green moderated the discussion.

Titled Race, Freedom and Equality of Opportunity, the town halls will focus on connecting Lincoln to the present day. Discussion topics include political representation, liberty and justice, violence, immigration, human rights, interracial roots, environment, economics, interpretation of power, spirituality and reconstruction. Cities under consideration include Exeter, NH, Washington DC, Miami, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Newark, New Jersey. The first Town Hall took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 20, 2008.

The ALBC national Town Halls are a joint collaboration with the Fetzer Institute the of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

[edit] Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg College hosted the first national Town Hall on November 20, 2008. Panelists included Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., Secretary Jack Kemp, Dr. Allen Guelzo, Susan Eisenhower and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs Norman Bristol Colon. Charles R. Branham, senior historian at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago moderated the discussion.

Over 300 people filled Union Ballroom as the panelists highlighted President Lincoln's role and impact during the American Civil War. Topics of discussion included race relations, equality of opportunity, the 2008 presidential election and cultural progression in America.

The next Town Hall is scheduled for late March or early April 2009.[3].

[edit] National Teach-In

ALBC Teacher Poster

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, in partnership with History™, will feature a National Teach-In on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln broadcasting live from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. on the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth: Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. EST.

This live event will feature Lincoln scholars, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Matthew Pinsker and Harold Holzer, sharing their expertise and answering students’ questions from all over the country.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is an award-winning author and one of the nation's leading Lincoln historians. Goodwin served as an assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson and helped draft his personal memoirs. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for her book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The American Homefront During World War II. She was awarded the Lincoln Prize in 2006 for her best-selling work Team of Rivals, about Lincoln's Cabinet. Goodwin serves on the Advisory Committee for the ALBC.

Harold Holzer is considered one of the country's top authorities on the political culture of the Civil War era. A prolific writer and lecturer, and frequent guest on television, Holzer serves as co-chairman of the national Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Winner of the Lincoln Prize for his book Lincoln at Cooper Union, Holzer is co-editor of In Lincoln’s Hand: His Original Manuscripts with Commentary by Distinguished Americans (January 2009), the companion volume to the Library of Congress Lincoln exhibition. Holzer's latest book, Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860–1861 details the 16th president's thoughts and actions during the four months between his election and inauguration.

Matthew Pinsker is the Brian Pohanka Chair of Civil War History at Dickinson College. He has published two books and numerous articles on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era, including Lincoln's Sanctuary: Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers' Home (2003). He has served as a visiting fellow at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and leads annual K–12 teacher workshops on the Underground Railroad for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Pinsker serves on the Advisory Committee for the ALBC.

[edit] Museums

The Library of Congress opened "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition" on February 12, 2009, which charts Lincoln's growth from prairie lawyer to preeminent statesman and addresses the monumental issues he faced including slavery and race, dissolution of the Union and the American Civil War. On view through May 9, 2009, the exhibition features numerous photographs, letters, speeches, and campaign artifacts rarely seen by the public[4].

New-York Historical Society is exhibiting a selection of handwritten public documents and letters in "Lincoln in His Own Words: An Intimate Portrait Of Our Greatest President" through July 12, 2009. Starting in October 2009, New-York Historical Society will mount "Lincoln and New York," an exhibition curated by Lincoln Bicentennial Commission co-chair Harold Holzer [5].

[edit] The Global Lincoln

Oxford University will be the site of a global conference discussing Lincoln’s international significance and appeal. Scholars from around the world will gather at St. Catherine’s College on July 3–5, 2009. The conference, titled Global Lincoln: An International Conference, will focus on four subjects:

  • Lincoln, the United States and the World
  • Lincoln the Emancipator and Liberator
  • Lincoln the Nationalist Unifier and Modernizer
  • Lincoln the Progressive and Democrat

Professor Richard Carwardine will moderate the conference.

[edit] Lincoln, the United States and the World

Contributions by Professor Carwardine, Dr. Jay Sexton of Oxford, Odd Arne Westad of London School of Economics and Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will explore Lincoln's understanding of the globe and US role in foreign affairs.

Dr. Sexton will consider the ways in which American educators and statesmen attempted to project an image of the Lincoln across the globe, particularly during the Cold War and when formulating and articulating American foreign policy. Dr. Westad will expand on the Cold War and explore the ways in which peoples and states conceived of Lincoln and used his image for their own purposes. Finally, ALBC Commissioner Harold Holzer will examine prints and statues of Lincoln’s image across the world.

[edit] Lincoln the Emancipator and Liberator

Part two of the conference will focus on Lincoln’s international view as an emancipator and liberator. Professor Norman Saul of Kansas State will deliver a Russian perspective of Lincoln and the president’s image in the context of Russia’s revolutionary changes during the birth of the soviet era. The discussion will continue with a Latin America perspective from Professor Nicola Miller of the University College of London. Professor Miller will examine how Lincoln served as a powerful symbol in Brazil and Cuba during those country’s emancipation.

Finally, historian David Blight of Yale University will revisit the perceptions of southerners during Lincoln’s era. Initially, many feared him as the embodiment of ‘Black Republicanism’ but after the war these same southerners came to recognize him as the charitable alternative to the regime of radical Republicans during Reconstruction.

[edit] Lincoln the Nationalist Unifier and Modernizer

Part three will focus on the time period between 1865–1945. Professor Eugenio Biagini of the University of Cambridge will examine the perceptions of Lincoln in Germany and Italy as they underwent parallel processes of unification and economic growth. Other discussion topics include Lincoln’s influence in East Asia, India, South Africa and during the Spanish Civil War with the “Lincoln Brigades.“

[edit] Lincoln the Progressive and Democrat

Plans to explore Lincoln’s legacy and reputation throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Adam I.P. Smith, University College London, will discuss Lincoln's legacy as it relates to Scotland and England.

A Wales perspective will come from Kenneth O. Morgan of University of Oxford. Professor Morgan will address Lincoln’s reputation and influence in Wales during the later nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Professor Kevin Kenny of Boston College will discuss Lincoln's relationship with Ireland. Professor Kenny will broaden the discussion to include the Irish in America. The main focus will surround Lincoln's image in debates regarding Irish nationalism and Ireland’s place in the Union.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ [2]
  3. ^ ALBC official website
  4. ^ [3]
  5. ^ [4]

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln_Bicentennial_Commission"
Personal tools
Visit joltnews for the latest headlines
Visit bloit.com for company information
Geed Media does computer consulting on long island.
This page viewed times. See Logs