Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Members of the Commission 9

Legislation 13

Organization and Activities 19

Congressional Mandates 25

Education 31

Public Outreach 43

International Outreach 57 

Lincoln and the Arts 61 

Publications 65

States Liaison 69

Website 73

Appendix

Advisory Committee Members 77

Endorsement Form 83

Ethics Rules 87

Introduction
7

Introduction

February 12, 2009, will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln

considered by both historians and ordinary Americans to have been the greatest

American president. Though nearly 140 years have passed since his tragic death,

Lincoln remains the central figure in American history. The solemn words engraved

in his memorial remain true: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom

he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Abraham Lincoln rose from poverty to the heights of political 

success, but his ambition inspired him to do far more than merely

hold office. Lincoln assumed the presidency during the worst crisis

in American history, and successfully led his fractured country to

reunion and “a new birth of freedom.”

The war that engulfed the United States in 1861 had been brewing

for decades, and threatened to extinguish the light of democracy in

the world. The American political system was still a fragile experiment, viewed with distaste and skepticism by many in Europe and

beyond. Lincoln knew that democracy would be forever discredited

if a disaffected minority, having lost a political battle, could 

simply withdraw from the process entirely. His faith in representative government, and his realistic appraisal of human nature,

allowed him not merely to save the Union but create a nation.

And yet, Lincoln wished not only to save his country, but also to

make it, in his words, “worthy of the saving”, a place where all

would have the right to rise. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the

Emancipation Proclamation, setting in motion a legal process that would destroy

American slavery forever. This noble act, controversial both then and now, commit

ted the United States to the long, difficult struggle for racial justice. The

Commission wishes to highlight the role of Lincoln in ending slavery, and encourage a profound and substantive discussion of his legacy to a country still troubled

by matters of race.

At the close of his first Annual Message

to Congress, on December 3, 1861, by

which time the Union had been torn

asunder, Lincoln wrote, “The struggle

of today, is not altogether for today—it

is for a vast future also.” 
As he predicted, the reverberations of the Civil War and the struggle for human

rights persist today. The Commission believes that Lincoln’s legacy is as vital now

as it ever was, and wishes to share that legacy with new generations of Americans

and citizens of the world.

The proposals contained in this report were developed in committees, fashioned

after careful discussion and debate, and reflect the opinions of the Commission as

a whole. However, this report is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all potential

bicentennial activities. The Commission fully expects that new ideas will continue 

to be conceived and implemented between now and 2009. 

Finally, the Commission wishes to express 

its gratitude to the Congress of the United

States for having the wisdom and foresight to 

commemorate the birth of President Lincoln 

in so fitting a manner. Commissioners and 

staff members are conscious of their solemn

duties: to educate the public about Lincoln, 

to encourage discussion about the issues with

which he grappled and we still struggle, and 

to plan a tribute worthy of its subject.

8

Introduction
9

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

Established by Joint Resolution of Congress, approved January 24, 2000.

(Public Law 106-173, 106th Congress)

Members Appointed by the President of The United States

Mr. Harold Holzer (New York), Co-Chair

Vice President for Communications and Marketing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dr. James Oliver Horton (Virginia)

Professor of American Studies and History at the George Washington University.

Dr. Darrel E. Bigham (Indiana), on the recommendation of the Gov. of Indiana

Professor of History at the University of Southern Indiana.

Hon. James R. Thompson (Illinois), on the recommendation of the Gov. of Illinois

Former Governor of the State of Illinois.

Hon. Tommy Turner (Kentucky), on the recommendation of the Gov. of Kentucky

LaRue County Judge.

Members Appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Ms. Joan L. Flinspach (Indiana)

President and CEO of The Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne.

Hon. Ray LaHood (Illinois), Co-Chair

Member of Congress, 18th Congressional District of the State of Illinois.

Mrs. Lura Lynn Ryan (Illinois)

Former First Lady of the State of Illinois.

Members Appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives

Hon. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (Illinois)

Member of Congress, 2nd Congressional District of the State of Illinois.

Ms. Louise Taper (California)

Noted Lincoln collector.
10

Members Appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate

Dr. Gabor S. Boritt (Pennsylvania)

Director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College.

Hon. Jim Bunning (Kentucky)

United States Senator from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Hon. Frank J. Williams (Rhode Island)

Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and founding chairman 

of the Lincoln Forum.

Members Appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate

Dr. Jean T.D. Bandler (Connecticut)

Former Director of the Undergraduate Social Work Program 

at New York University.

Hon. Richard Durbin (Illinois), Co-Chair

United States Senator from the State of Illinois.

Members of Commission Staff

Mr. Michael F. Bishop, Executive Director

Ms. Jackie Williams, Program Manager

Mr. Ryan L. Cole, Executive Assistant
legislation
13

One Hundred Sixth Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, 

the twenty-fourth day of January, two thousand 

An Act 

To establish the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America

in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

Act may be cited as the “Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act.”

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, was one of the Nation’s most prominent 

leaders, demonstrating true courage during the Civil War, one of the greatest crises i

the Nation's history.

(2) Born of humble roots in Hardin County, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809, Abraham

Lincoln rose to the Presidency through a legacy of honesty, integrity, intelligence, and

commitment to the United States.

(3) With the belief that all men were created equal, Abraham Lincoln led the effort to 

free all slaves in the United States.

(4) Abraham Lincoln had a generous heart, with malice toward none and with 

charity for all.

(5) Abraham Lincoln gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country Lincoln loved, dying 

from an assassin's bullet on April 15, 1865.

(6) All Americans could benefit from studying the life of Abraham Lincoln, for Lincoln's

life is a model for accomplishing the “American Dream” through honesty, integrity, 

loyalty, and a lifetime of education.

(7) The year 2009 will be the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham 

Lincoln, and a commission should be established to study and recommend to 

Congress activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a 

manner that appropriately honors Abraham Lincoln.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

There is established a commission to be known as the 

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (referred to in this Act as the “Commission”).

SEC. 4. DUTIES.

The Commission shall have the following duties:

(1) To study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to deter

mine whether the activities are fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on the 

occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, including–

(A) the minting of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial penny;

(B) the issuance of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial postage stamp;

(C) the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of Congress for ceremonies 

and activities relating to Abraham Lincoln;

(D) a redesignation of the Lincoln Memorial, or other activity with respect to the 

Memorial; and

Legislation
14

(E) the acquisition and preservation of artifacts associated with Abraham Lincoln.

(2) To recommend to Congress the activities that the Commission considers most 

fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on such occasion, and the entity or 

entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate

to carry out such activities.

SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT- The Commission shall be composed of 15 

members appointed as follows:

(1) Two members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection 

(b), appointed by the President.

(2) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection 

(b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.

(3) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection 

(b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Indiana.

(4) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection 

(b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of 

Kentucky.

(5) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of 

Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(6) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the 

majority leader of the Senate.

(7) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of 

Representatives, appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

(8) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the 

minority leader of the Senate.

(b) QUALIFIED CITIZEN- A qualified citizen described in this subsection is a 

private citizen of the United States with–

(1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the importance of historical 

figures and events; and

(2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Abraham Lincoln.

(c) TIME OF APPOINTMENT- Each initial appointment of a member of the 

Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning 

on the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d) CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP- If a member of the Commission was 

appointed to the Commission as a Member of Congress, and ceases to be a 

Member of Congress, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for 

not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to be 

a Member of Congress.

(e) TERMS- Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(f) VACANCIES- A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the 

Commission but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment 

was made.

(g) BASIC PAY- Members shall serve on the Commission without pay.

(h) TRAVEL EXPENSES- Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per

diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, 

United States Code.

(i) QUORUM- Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a 

lesser number may hold hearings.

(j) CHAIR- The Commission shall select a Chair from among the members of the 

Commission.

Legislation
15

(k) MEETINGS- The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. Periodically, 

the Commission shall hold a meeting in Springfield, Illinois.

SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

(a) DIRECTOR- The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of a Director and such 

additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(b) APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE LAWS-

(1) DIRECTOR- The Director of the Commission may be appointed without 

regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in 

the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of 

chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification 

and General Schedule pay rates.

(2) STAFF- The staff of the Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 

service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and 

subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General 

Schedule pay rates.

SEC. 7. POWERS.

(a) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying

out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(b) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS- Any member or agent of the

Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the

Commission is authorized to take by this Act.

(c) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA- The Commission may secure directly from any

department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable the

Commission to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the

head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.

(d) MAILS- The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner

and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United

States.

(e) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES- Upon the request of the Commission,

the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to

carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

SEC. 8. REPORTS.

(a) INTERIM REPORTS- The Commission may submit to Congress such interim

reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(b) FINAL REPORT- The Commission shall submit a final report to Congress not

later than the expiration of the 4-year period beginning on the date of the formation of

the Commission. The final report shall contain–

(1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission;

(2) the recommendations of the Commission; and

(3) any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate.

SEC. 9. BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.

Any spending authority provided under this Act shall be effective only to such extent and

in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.

Legislation
16

SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

The Commission shall terminate 120 days after submitting the final report of the 

Commission pursuant to section 8.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 

this Act.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Vice President of the United States and 

President of the Senate. 

One Hundred Eighth Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE FIRST SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, 

the seventh day of January, two thousand and three 

An Act 

To extend the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 

of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(a) DUTIES- Section 4 of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act (36 

U.S.C. note prec. 101; Public Law 106-173) is amended–

(1) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking “redesignation” and inserting “rededication”; 

and

“(2) by adding at the end the following:

“(3) To recommend to Congress a plan to carry out the activities recommended 

under paragraph (2).

“(4) To carry out other related activities in support of the duties carried out under 

paragraphs (1) through (3).”.

(b) EXTENSION- Section 8 of such Act (36 U.S.C. note prec. 101; Public Law 

106-173) is amended–

(1) in subsection (a), by striking “The” and inserting “In addition to the interim 

report required under subsection (b), the”;

(2) in subsection (b)–

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking “FINAL REPORT-” and inserting

“REQUIRED INTERIM REPORT-”;

(B) by striking the first sentence and inserting: “Not later than June 24, 

2004, the Commission shall submit an interim report to Congress.”; and

(C) in the second sentence, by striking “final”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(c) FINAL REPORT- Not later than April 30, 2010, the Commission shall submit 

a final report to Congress. The final report shall contain final statements, 

recommendations, and information described under subsection (b) (1), (2), 

and (3).”.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Vice President of the United States and 

President of the Senate. 

Legislation
Organization and Activities
19

Organization and Activities

As is the custom when great national events are to be celebrated, the United

States Congress has taken an active role in preparing for the bicentennial of

Lincoln’s birth.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC) was created by

Congress to stimulate Lincoln observances throughout the period leading up to

the bicentennial; to encourage and undertake contributions of lasting value such

as publications, presentations, numismatics, philately, films and video productions; and to emphasize the contribution of Abraham Lincoln's thought, ideals,

and actions to the United States and throughout the world. 

H.R. 1451, the legislation creating the Commission, was introduced by

Congressman Ray LaHood of Illinois, whose district is almost identical to that

represented by Lincoln from 1847 to 1849. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois,

whose seat was once held by Stephen A. Douglas and contested by Lincoln,

introduced companion legislation in the Senate. President William Jefferson

Clinton signed the bill into law on February 25, 2000. 

The Commission met for the first time on July 12, 2001, in Washington, DC. 

The fifteen members elected Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Ray

LaHood, and historian Harold Holzer as co-chairs. Since then, the Commission

has met on the following ten occasions:

November 19, 2001 Gettysburg, PA

February 12, 2002 Washington, DC

June 10, 2002 Springfield, IL

September 23, 2002 Washington, DC

February 11, 2003 Washington, DC

April 25, 2003 Hodgenville, KY

July 7, 2003 Manchester, VT

October 27, 2003 Washington, DC

February 9, 2004 Washington, DC

June 7, 2004 Washington, DC
At the February 12, 2002, meeting, the Commission created committees that

would plan various aspects of the bicentennial celebrations. Those committees

were each responsible for one of the sections in this report, and the membership of those committees will be duly noted in each section. 

The Commission also created a Budget Committee to oversee expenditures

and formulate cost projections through 2009. 

In August of 2002, Michael F. Bishop was appointed executive director, and 

the Commission soon thereafter occupied offices in the Adams Building of 

the Library of Congress. In addition to serving the Commission, Bishop has

traveled around the country to speak about Lincoln and the upcoming 

bicentennial, and has written several articles and reviews. 

On September 23, 2002, President Bush welcomed the Abraham Lincoln

Bicentennial Commission to the White House. Also present were many 

members of the Commission’s Advisory Committee. The President heartily

endorsed the work of the Commission and pledged his support. Speaking in

the State Dining Room, under the famous Healy portrait of Lincoln, President

Bush declared Abraham Lincoln to be the statesman he most admires. The

Commission deeply appreciates the President’s endorsement and hospitality.

On February 9, 2003, the Commission celebrated Lincoln’s 194th birthday

week with a gathering of the Advisory Committee in the beautiful Jefferson

Building of the Library of Congress. The Committee formed several smaller

working groups and spent the afternoon discussing how best to celebrate the

upcoming bicentennial. The resulting ideas were greatly appreciated by the

Commission and have been incorporated in this report. Also appreciated were

the ideas submitted by the public through our website, many of which appear 

in the pages that follow. 

The Commission, Advisory Committee, and several hundred others were 

treated that night to a performance of Lincoln Seen and Heard, a presentation

created by Harold Holzer. With Holzer’s narration, and iconic images of Lincoln

displayed on a screen, acclaimed actor Sam Waterston presented dramatic

readings of Lincoln’s greatest speeches and writings. The Commission

received extensive press coverage in the Washington Post and throughout the

country, and CSPAN filmed the performance, replaying it several times.

20 Organization and Activities
21

Organization and Activities

On July 15, 2003, President George W. Bush signed S. 858, a bill to extend the

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. This legislation, introduced by

Senator Richard J. Durbin, allows the Commission to continue its important work

throughout 2009.

The Commission has adopted a set of ethics rules to govern the conduct of members and staff. These rules can be found in the appendix, and reflect the desire of

all involved to honor Lincoln's legacy of honesty and fairness in public service.

Also in the appendix is a copy of the form to be completed by those organizations

who wish to receive the endorsement of the Commission for their Lincoln activity.

Completed forms are referred to the relevant committee, and upon favorable

review, presented to the full Commission. All such endorsements are for educational or commemorative activities only, and commercial ventures are ineligible.

While most of their meetings have been held in Washington, the Commission has

also visited various sites around the country that will play a role in the bicentennial.

Tours of Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky, his home in Springfield, Illinois, and visits

to Gettysburg and Hildene, the Vermont home of Robert Todd Lincoln, have been

very helpful. The Commission is grateful for all the hospitality it enjoyed in these

places, and looks forward to meeting in Indiana in the near future.

The Commission plans to meet at least four times a year between now and the

bicentennial celebrations, with most of the meetings in Washington and some in

other places important to the Lincoln story. During and between these meetings,

the members and staff, in consultation with the Advisory Committee and other 

outside experts, will begin to implement the projects included in this report.

CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES 
25

Members of the Mandates Committee: Jean T. D. Bandler (Chair),

Joan L. Flinspach, Hon. James R. Thompson, and Judge Tommy Turner

Mission Statement

The Mandates Committee has focused on making recommendations for the 

five specific areas requested by Congress: the minting of an Abraham Lincoln 

bicentennial penny; the issuance of an Abraham Lincoln postage stamp; the 

convening of a joint meeting or joint session of Congress; the rededication or

other activity with respect to the Lincoln Memorial, and the acquisition and

preservation of artifacts associated with Lincoln.

The Committee reviewed the historic activities of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial

Commission, the useful ideas from the Advisory Committee in its February 2003

workshops, the many suggestions from the public posted on our website, and

the helpful proposals from Commission members and staff. Commission staff

and members have met with officials from the United States Postal Service, the

Bureau of the Mint, the National Park Service (NPS) at the Lincoln Memorial,

and Congressional staff.

These recommendations are guided by the hope that this celebration of

Lincoln’s life will inform and illuminate both commemorative ceremonies and

ordinary activities and that his legacy will inspire America and the world in

meeting present and future challenges.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Penny and Commemorative Coin:

The Commission recommends a redesign of the reverse side of the Lincoln 

penny in 2009. This redesign should take the form of a series reflecting different 

significant locations, themes or events in his life, possibly including the three

“Lincoln States” of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, and perhaps extending to 

New York (Cooper Union Address), Pennsylvania (Gettysburg Address), and

Washington, DC. If economically feasible, it would be desirable to differentiate 

the 2009 penny color from past and future colors; however, we do not recommend increasing the cost of minting the one cent coin. We believe that a Lincoln

penny series would dramatically highlight important stages of Lincoln’s life and

would appeal to coin collectors and especially to ordinary people as they go

about daily transactions. We will collaborate with the Bureau of the Mint on the

redesign of the penny, and we understand that Congressional support and 

legislation may be needed.

CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES 
26

In addition, the Commission recommends that a Lincoln Commemorative Coin be

minted in silver and sold to interested members of the public. After careful review of

the requirements and helpful consultations with the Bureau of the Mint, we consider

the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to be the most appropriate and fitting

sponsor, since it has been authorized by Congress to recommend, plan, and 

coordinate the national celebration honoring the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

We recognize that Congressional legislation will be required to permit a Lincoln

Commemorative coin. There should be no burden on public funds since the 

commemorative coins are minted to demand and sponsoring groups receive 

surplus funds only after expenses are covered.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Postage Stamps:

We recommend that the United States Postal Service issue postage stamps 

honoring Abraham Lincoln during the Lincoln Bicentennial year and we have three

specific recommendations regarding stamps.

Commemorative Stamp: A block of four commemorative stamps to honor Lincoln’s

contributions in preserving the union and expanding human freedom. The series

might either portray Lincoln at various stages of his life or illustrate the dominant

themes in his career. The costs for the design of the stamp would be recouped by

sales, and the commemorative stamp series should be very popular with collectors

and with the general public.

Definitive Stamp: A definitive, general issue, stamp during the year 2009. Such 

a stamp would be seen and used by millions of people outside of the historic and 

philatelic communities and would help to share the celebration of Lincoln with all

Americans. Lincoln’s remarkable accomplishments, combined with this landmark 

celebration, justify his placement on a definitive stamp.

International (Airmail) Stamp: An international, airmail stamp. Lincoln belongs not

only “to the ages” but also to the world. Lovers of liberty and equality around the

globe treasure the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, and that legacy is more important

today than ever before.

The Commission formally submitted recommendations to the Citizens’ Stamp

Advisory Committee for consideration at its October 2003 meeting and now 

understands that the Committee’s detailed consideration has been postponed to a

future date. We look forward to working with the U.S. Postal Service to implement

these recommendations.

Congressional Mandates
27

The Convening of a Joint Session of Congress:

We recommend that Congress hold a Joint Session to honor President Abraham

Lincoln. The Joint Session of February 12, 1959, on the occasion of Lincoln’s

Sesquicentennial offers a good model to emulate. Actor Fredric March recited

the Gettysburg Address, and Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg delivered the

keynote address. Other suggestions include a reading or recitation by a diverse

group of students from across the nation, and an address by an American or 

international scholar or statesman, inspired by Lincoln. 

A simpler alternative may be to have a ceremony in Statuary Hall, the

former chamber of the House of Representatives, where Lincoln served

from 1847 to 1849. Regardless of the venue, the Commission wishes to

emphasize the importance of diversity among the participants.

The Rededication of the Lincoln Memorial:

The Commission recommends an inclusive, coordinated celebration at the Lincoln

Memorial on February 12, 2009, to honor Abraham Lincoln and to rededicate the

Lincoln Memorial. We respectfully suggest that a major focus of the ceremony 

be on equality, freedom, and civil rights to commemorate Lincoln’s leadership in

ending slavery, the historic Marian Anderson concert, and the Martin Luther King,

Jr., “I Have A Dream” speech.

We also urge that any changes to the basement museum retain the current

emphasis on significant Lincoln values and continue to reflect events that are

specific to the Lincoln Memorial Site.

Finally, we recommend that the Park Service develop a new brochure for visitors,

listing all of the Lincoln sites in the District of Columbia and in the nation. This

brochure should be available at the small kiosk, and bookstore at the Memorial,

and at other Lincoln venues, and would be of help to those wishing to know and

visit other places.

The Acquisition and Preservation of Abraham Lincoln Artifacts:

We recommend that private collectors be encouraged to make their Lincoln

materials available for appropriate public display during the bicentennial year.The

Commission will contact museums regarding their specific needs and post these

requests on our website for private collectors considering lending or donating artifacts for public display.

Congressional Mandates

5

Education
31

Members of the Education Committee: Darrel Bigham (Chair), Jean Bandler,

Gabor Boritt, Joan Flinspach, Harold Holzer, James Horton, Lura Lynn Ryan 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Education Committee is four-fold: 

To identify existing collections of printed, manuscript and online materials, film,

music, and art relating to Abraham Lincoln and to encourage further collection of

such materials so that these resources will be preserved and made available to

students of all ages; 

To encourage and to participate in a program of publications—printed and online,

filmed and recorded—of lesson and unit plans, basic sources, guides, bibliographies, indexes, and other aids to teaching, research, writing, and understanding; 

To develop among K-12 schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums,

historical agencies, and historic sites a deeper appreciation of and keener 

interest in the rich heritage of national and international experiences of the life

and times of Abraham Lincoln; and 

To collaborate with national and international organizations in organizing and/or

assisting in the creation of public programs and conferences on Abraham Lincoln

and related themes. 

The Committee will work with appropriate Federal agencies and departments as

well as national, state, and private organizations to pursue these goals. It will

identify and help to coordinate programs and projects that are planned by these

groups and, where apt, create activities of its own. It will seek as well to enlist the

support of for-profit and not-for-profit institutions in funding and publicizing these

measures. Although its range of interest is broad, the Committee will pay special

attention to the needs and opportunities for teaching and learning about Lincoln

in schools and colleges/universities. 

Education
32

Activities to date 

The committee began by reviewing the relevant activities of Federal commissions

or joint committees organized to commemorate the lives of prominent Americans.

Most sponsored one or more of the following: 

• Essay competitions in public and private secondary schools 

• Information packets and teachers’ guides 

• Recognition of schools named after an honoree 

• Fellowships 

• Addresses, conferences, and symposia 

• Books and research projects 

• Traveling and special exhibits 

The committee then solicited comments and suggestions from members of the

ALBC Advisory Committee and reviewed the extensive list of proposed activities

created through the ALBC website. It also contacted a lengthy list of Federal and

non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and departments to identify existing

resources and potential partnerships. In addition to hosting a meeting in January

2003 with nine such groups, it has subsequently been in touch with several 

others, including most recently the American Historical Association. From this

emerged several drafts of recommendations. This draft was reviewed and

endorsed by the ALBC at its October 27, 2003, meeting.

The structure of the report of the Education Committee reflects the mission statement—by audience (K-12 schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums

and historic sites)—and by time-frame: things that should and can be done in the

near future (2003-2004), for 2005-2009, and for long-term impact. 

Wherever possible, the ALBC will collaborate with existing Federal and/or NGO

programs, seeking to channel existing resources toward planning for the Lincoln

Bicentennial. Where there are distinctive needs that cannot be met by existing

agencies, the ALBC will create programs that address them.

Education
33

Priorities (❶ = top, ❷ = next to top, and ❸ = third)

K-12 Schools 

Near Future 

❶. We have established a special educational section on the ALBC website but will

also seek to find ways of disseminating hard copies of website material for those

without computers. We will also identify all existing online educational resources 

(for K-12 and beyond) and list them on our website. Related to that, identify special

educational programs of public and private organizations.

❷. We are developing plans with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of History and its 

“history high schools” as well as other groups planning Lincoln-related workshops

and institutes in 2004. This could be expanded, and linked with the National Park

Service (NPS), and other Federal agencies. 

❷. Create a section on the website featuring Lincoln’s Legacies, including short

introductions and links to institutions (those directly and indirectly associated with

Lincoln) such as IRS, National Cemetery System, Civil Rights Museum, etc. 

❷. Create a “Question of the Week” on Lincoln. The Lincoln Home’s online

“Question of the Week” could be shared with the ALBC website, and its audience

broadened to include adults as well as children, as suggested by the former 

site Superintendent.

❸. Ensure that the programs of the various Lincoln groups are coordinated and 

publicized through print and the ALBC website. This also applies in (❷ ) below.

A cautionary note for this section and the two that follow: most teachers have 

pre-existing goals to meet and will have to fit bicentennial materials into already

crowded curricula. Some will do so eagerly, but many may be reluctant to do so

unless we make the doing of it easy. A model approach is the Lewis and Clark

bicentennial program begun this year.

Education
34

2005-2009 

❶. We are planning a classroom teachers’ guide, somewhat like the one 

produced in large quantities in 1958. Our focus is the K-12 classroom.

The guide would also include curriculum guides and lists of primary and secondary sources for teachers of history / social studies, language arts, mathematics,

and geography. The guide will be placed on the ALBC website. If funding 

permits, printed guides will also be created.

❶. NPS Lincoln sites plan a major youth initiative in cooperation with area

schools in the 2008-2009 school year. Each NPS Lincoln and Civil War national

park should also create a "Teaching with Historic Places" program in cooperation

with the NPS National Register of Historic Places Office. (Civil War parks include

sites commemorating legislation passed during the war, like the Morrill Land

Grant College Act and the Homestead Act, as well as battlefield sites.) Once

completed, the individual programs could be packaged and presented in a 

unified format.

❶. Focus History Day (Spring 2008) on Lincoln. The present theme is 

“Individuals in History.” Establish guidelines for elementary, middle and high

schools. Announce the competition a year in advance of the deadline, and 

recognize winners in a ceremony in Washington and on public television/C-SPAN

as well as in national newspapers. Plans are underway to implement the 

curriculum guide and teacher institutes. 

Related to this: Use the James Madison 250th commemoration as a model 

for essay competition. Possibly we could combine History Day and an Essay

Contest, with the contest being announced on History Day 2008 and the winners

invited to the White House for History Day or Lincoln’s Birthday, 2009. This 

might help get the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural back into 

the classroom. 

❶. Use the model of the publications created for the George Washington bicentennial in 1931 that had twelve booklets on phases of his life; create a series on

Lincoln that could be geared for different age levels—children, adolescents,

adults. Such topics as Lincoln and the two-party system, Lincoln the private man,

Lincoln the commander-in-chief could be addressed. 

❶. Create a Lincoln summit for youth—a leadership conference that would focus

on what makes a good leader, how leaders get things done, etc. 

Education
35

❶. Enter into an arrangement with the makers of “Lincoln Logs” (Hasbro,

PlaySkool Division) to include a brochure on Lincoln’s pioneer days and some

small figures from the early 19th century. 

❶. Develop literacy programs that focus on Abraham Lincoln. Approach large

foundations to contribute funds for programs such as “Lincoln for Literacy” 

❷. Ensure that educational programs are relevant, given (for example) skepticism

among African American youth about Lincoln and other prominent American 

leaders. Attempt to bridge “Lincoln knowledge” gap between American and 

foreign born children. Emphasize interdisciplinary aspects of the study of Lincoln,

including literature, archaeology of New Salem, political cartoons, etc. 

❷. Form teacher institutes across the country on the events of the 1850s, the life

of Lincoln, and the Civil War. Using National Park Service sites and others 

associated with Lincoln and the Civil War era would be ideal, and could be done

well in advance of 2009 so that teachers trained at Lincoln sites could become

trainers for other teachers in 2009. This would, for instance, tie in with the

Teaching American History grant program for the improvement of the teaching 

of American history. These institutes would offer graduate credit. A college or 

university could be the local sponsoring agency, with possible Federal support.

The University of Southern Indiana is sponsoring a two-day Lincoln Institute for

teachers in July 2004 that is intended to be a model for future programs. Some

pilot programs could be formed for summer 2005 in the “Lincoln states” in collaboration with the three NPS parks and expanded in 2006-2008 across the nation. 

❷. Encourage widespread use of Lincoln legal papers and other Lincoln materials

on line, with development of teaching materials (guides, reading materials, 

teaching units, etc.). 

❷. Create a “traveling museum” for K-12 schools. Several were established for

other commemorative occasions—for example, Eleanor Roosevelt, 1985. This

contained a tour guide, a selection of her quotations, a bibliography, and a list of

video resources. A curriculum kit was also created.

❸. Publish a child’s history/biography which we could use in the grade schools. 

Education
36

2009 and Beyond 

❶. Using the model that Lincoln Home provides, create one-week summer institutes for high school teachers and history/undergraduate teacher education majors

in every state in the Union. 

Colleges and Universities 

Near Future 

❶. Encourage historical societies, beginning in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, to

focus attention on Lincoln scholarship in journals and popular history magazines.

These publications would include works by Lincoln and Civil War scholars at 

colleges and universities (as well as non-academic scholars). This effort is 

already underway.

❷. Encourage PhD students to pursue research on aspects of Lincoln’s life that

scholars believe merit further investigation. 

2005-2009 

❶. Host scholarly conferences, at places like the Library of Congress and sites

related to Lincoln, as well as teacher institutes on the events of the 1850s, the life

of Lincoln, and the Civil War. Using Park Service sites associated with Lincoln 

and the Civil War era for the latter would be ideal.

❶. Create symposia at the five National Park Service Lincoln sites for the 

adult public.

❶. Use such lesser-known Lincoln historic sites as James Speed’s home,

Farmington, in Louisville, Kentucky, the Cooper Union in NYC, or Robert Todd

Lincoln’s home, Hildene, in Manchester, Vermont, for public gatherings, speeches,

roundtables, and discussions. Other sites could include Civil War battlefields and

places commemorating wartime legislation, such as land grant colleges, homesteads, and the Pacific railroads. 

❶. Develop a pool of Lincoln scholars in all regions of the country who agree to

speak to both public and scholarly groups about Lincoln and the age of Lincoln. 

Related to this: Create a Speakers Bureau of Lincoln experts on the ALBC and 

the Advisory Committee who would be willing to speak to college, high school and

civic groups. 

Education
37

❶. Approach PBS, A&E, C-SPAN, History Channel, and the Discovery Channel to

sponsor/cover roundtable discussions among Lincoln experts at the Lincoln NPS

parks and other key Lincoln and Civil War era sites, as well as to create documentaries on Lincoln and his times. 

❶. Encourage professional historians and other Lincoln scholars to prepare articles

on Lincoln for publication in the press – especially small town dailies and weeklies. 

Using the model of the ongoing series on the history of Washington, DC, in the

Washington Post; 1/3 to 1/2 page features on Lincoln could be syndicated through

the AP and appear in newspapers across the country. 

Possibly this could be combined with a “Question of the Week” series and also 

published for classroom use.

❷. Create an Elderhostel program on Lincoln that includes visiting all Lincoln NPS

sites—tours, lectures and discussions.

❷. Have professional historians prepare brief (one-minute) spots on Abraham Lincoln

for use by local radio and television stations. 

❸. Create a guide to doing research on Lincoln on the ALBC website 

(also relevant for other sections). 

❸. Have visiting teachers, scholars and other educators present special programs 

on Lincoln at each National Park Service Lincoln site. 

2009 and Beyond 

❶. The late Senator Paul Simon, who served as a member of the Advisory

Committee, has suggested we need to emphasize how such laws as the Morrill 

Act and the GI Bill altered the course of history. Given our need to be more 

knowledgeable about the world, especially after September 2001, he has suggested

an educational program to enable students to study abroad, especially in the Middle

East, Asia, and Africa. Pitifully few do so now. Yet most of the growth in the world 

will be occurring in the poorest parts of it. The grant would provide a semester or 

two abroad, giving preference to those who study in developing nations. 

Education
38

Museums, Historic Sites, and Historical Organizations 

Near Future 

❶. Get state and local historical societies involved in Lincoln programs. Get in touch

with the key Lewis and Clark bicentennial committees and identify organizational

resources, what works, etc.

❶. Identify all of the proposed activities and plans of Lincoln-related organizations

and prepare a master calendar.

❶. Provide support to the proposals of the three “Lincoln States” Lincoln Park 

Superintendents regarding coordinated planning at not only these National Park

Service sites but at other related ones. 

Not only the Llincoln sites but also others related to Lincoln’s time have been

encouraged to take the lead in planning public programs and in serving as historic

site liaison to the ALBC. 

2005-2009 

❶. Create a Park Service brochure on its Lincoln sites and new handbooks for 

those sites, using the Underground Rail Road handbook or the Lewis and Clark

Bicentennial brochure as a model. 

❶. Have Lincoln Days at the national military parks – to aid in the National Park

Service’s attempt to widen the educational role of these sites. 

❶. The NPS Lincoln and Civil War parks are considering these interpretive 

programs:

• expand their “Traveling Trunk” program

• develop a traveling living history program in cooperation with the 

Abraham Lincoln Presenters Association and attempt to be as inclusive and diverse

and realistic as possible

• develop a children’s Junior Ranger program, “Lincoln—Cradle to Grave,” that is

expanded to cover the Lincoln NPS sites

• host Civil War encampments at each site, summer of 2009

• establish a program where interpreters from the Lincoln sites visit each other’s

parks to present programs about their area and time period

Education
39

• create a formalized Lincoln sites interpreter training program in each of the

main NPS Lincoln sites communities that would be open to all local interpreters,

NPS and non-NPS. 

❶. Civil War sites, not just NPS Lincoln sites, should be emphasized. Restoration

of the Soldiers’ Home, Lincoln’s summer home in Washington, should be 

completed. 

Whether in print or other media, or in interpretive programs, these sites need to

include wherever possible discussion of the causes and the consequences of the

Civil War as well as the legacy of slavery for the American people.

2009 and Beyond 

❶. The Lincoln parks in the National Park Service have created proposals for

major interpretive and educational programs. These have enormous long-term

implications.

Libraries 

Near Future 

❶. Meet with representatives of the American Library Association to develop 

collaborative initiatives.

2005-2009 

❶. Organize a national discussion of Lincoln and his legacy to be held at public

libraries, possibly via collaboration between the American Library Association 

and NEH. A variation is to telecast them via PBS and C-SPAN. 

❶. Create a short list of books and some videos/DVDs on Lincoln and encourage community-wide discussions of one or several of them during a month or

two. This might be done in a series for the year in advance of February 2009.

This could tie in to local/national public television and/or C-SPAN coverage.

Possibly this could be linked to a national symposium on topics such as race—

”The Unfinished Task.”

❶. Create a bibliography by age group of works on Lincoln and his times.

Education
40

2009 and Beyond 

Federal Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations That Have Expressed

Interest in Collaborating with the ALBC

• American Historical Association

• American Political Science Association

• Department of Education

• Department of State

• Library of Congress

• National Cathedral

• National Endowment for the Humanities

• National Trust for Historic Preservation

• Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

• Indiana Historical Bureau

• Indiana Historical Society

• Indiana Humanities Council

• Kentucky Historical Society

• Kentucky Humanities Council

• Abraham Lincoln Association

• Lincoln Colloquium

• Lincoln Forum

Agencies contacted:

• National Archives and Records Administration

• National Council for History Education

• National Council for Social Studies

• Smithsonian Institution

• National Education Association

• American Association for State and Local History

• American Studies Association

• National Geographic Society

• Museum of American History

• American Library Association

Education
Public Outreach 
43

Members of the Public Outreach Committee: Joan Flinspach (Chair), 

Darrel Bigham, Harold Holzer, James Horton, Frank Williams 

Mission Statement

The charge of the Public Outreach Committee is to promote the heritage and legacy

of Abraham Lincoln before the general public. The goal of projects falling under the

purview of this committee is to build awareness among the general public of who

Abraham Lincoln was and what he accomplished in his time, beyond his time, 

and for our future. 

Sources of Project Submissions

The recommendations for the projects listed below came from the general public via

the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission website; from the ALBC’s Advisory

Committee; from the Lincoln States (KY, IN, IL) Committee which is planning 

activities that will cross all three state boundaries; and from personal contacts made

by the general public to commission members. 

Projects

The projects listed below are in date order by year. Within each year is 

a subcategory describing the media of the project.

Projects Already Underway

Restoration

President Lincoln and Soldiers’ Home National Monument—The National Trust

for Historic Preservation is restoring the Lincoln Summer White House on the 

northern edge of Washington, DC. The Lincolns lived in this home during the 

summers of 1862, 1863, and 1864, escaping the heat of the city. 

Project Options—Support could be given to other Lincoln structures—such as the 

Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL; the Mary Todd Lincoln home in Lexington, KY; the

Robert Todd Lincoln home in Manchester, VT; and the Lincoln-Harlan home in 

Mount Pleasant, IA; as well as other structures in which the Lincoln family lived.

Public Outreach 
44

Date—This project is underway now and completion is dependent on funding. 

The plans are to complete it before 2009.

Purpose or Goal—This structure represents a largely untold part of the Lincolns’

personal lives. The Trust commissioned a history of the house which contains new

information about the Lincolns’ time in Washington. The restoration will bring to life

a previously unknown story.

Funding Sources—National Trust for Historic Preservation and private initiatives.

2004 Projects

Audio/Visual Projects

Biographical Documentary—Such a production could be an overarching single

segment story of Lincoln’s life. It might be followed by separate productions, 

which would highlight the major occasions of Lincoln’s life. 

Project Options—Create a radio documentary as well.

Date—It should air in 2008 or just before Lincoln’s birthday in 2009, but preparation

would have to begin as soon as possible.

Purpose or Goal—More people will see a general biographical piece in one segment

than a series stretching over several weeks, so while the follow-up productions will

educate many people on specific turning points in Lincoln’s life, this piece will be 

the overview, or for many, the introduction to Lincoln. It presents the opportunity to

capture an audience with a broad account of the entire story in one sitting.

Funding Source—The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and 

private funds. 

Cooper Union Speech—Sam Waterston delivered the Cooper Union speech to a

live audience at New York’s Cooper Union on May 5, 2004. Harold Holzer narrated

the occasion and provided the audience with the background, context, and significance of this speech, which was critical to Lincoln’s election to the presidency. 

Project Options—The presentation was recorded and aired on C-SPAN. 

Date—February 27, 2005, is the 145th anniversary of the speech. It could be 

re-aired then or in sequence with the other productions listed elsewhere in 

this report. 

Public Outreach
45

Purpose or Goal—This speech is significant to Lincoln’s election to the presidency.

It made him known in New York, not only through the presentation but also

because it was reprinted in the major East Coast newspapers. From this invitation, Lincoln received others to speak as he toured New England to see his son,

Robert, who was in school. This speech is a major turning point in history, and the

general public is unaware of that. This project would provide that information. In

the bigger picture, by celebrating this anniversary, this project would build momentum toward 2009. 

Funding Sources—C-SPAN has recorded this event for television.

ALBC Website 

Abraham Lincoln’s Speeches—Put all of Lincoln’s major speeches on the 

ALBC website so that they can be downloaded in various languages. Encourage

website viewers to download them and suggest uses—readings for local celebrations, local re-enactments, book clubs and discussion groups. An audio version 

of key speeches could also be available on the website, possibly narrated by 

Sam Waterston. 

Project Options—The International Committee also lists this project. 

Date—Have this completed before the end of 2005. 

Purpose or Goal—To educate the general public about Lincoln’s words in a 

flexible format, which they can then reuse for various purposes. 

Funding Source—This project would use ALBC resources. 

First Person Interpretation of Abraham Lincoln—The ALBC should link to the

website for the Association of Lincoln Presenters as a means of directing people

and organizations who want to hire a Lincoln interpreter. 

Project Options—That association can list other interpreters that play people 

of Lincoln’s era—Mary Todd Lincoln, Laura Keene, members of the Cabinet 

or Congress, etc. 

Date—Requests will start to come in soon and will continue to the end of 2009. 

Purpose or Goal—The ALBC will be asked for this information. Establishing this

link will create a partnership with the Association of Lincoln Presenters and help

the public to learn more about Lincoln. 

Public Outreach
46

Funding Sources—The Association of Lincoln Presenters performs this service. 

Virtual Lincoln Trail—A virtual trail can be created and mounted on the ALBC’s web

site. Modeled on ExplorePAhistory.com, this "trail" would mark sites known to be ass

ciated with Abraham Lincoln and inform website visitors of their history and how to v

them through a link to MapQuest. It would include Lincoln’s train routes, boat trips, e

Project Options—Localities could pay for and place actual markers if desired.

Date—Complete by the middle of 2005.

Purpose or Goal—To inform the general public of Lincoln’s travels and the impact 

he made while in certain locations. This will result in civic pride and tourism and 

will have a positive economic impact. 

Funding Sources—Use ALBC resources. 

2005 Projects

ALBC Website

Official ALBC Calendar—Contains the dates and has a link for more information fo

each ALBC event. Link it to The Lincoln Log: A Daily Chronology of the Life of Linco

Project Options—Link from calendar to websites with information about 

activities worldwide. Link to historic place websites where events occurred. 

Date—Have complete before June 2005.

Purpose or Goal—To use the fastest growing communication vehicle to inform the 

general public about history, events, and celebrations.

Funding Sources—Use ALBC resources.

Stage Presentations

Storytelling Festival—Museums, folklore societies, and storytelling associations co

host storytelling weekends in tribute to Abraham Lincoln. He was an effective storyteller. As President, he would often tell stories to make a point or teach a lesson. 

Project Options—Such tributes to Lincoln could also be storytelling competitions.

Public Outreach
47

Date—2006 is the 175th anniversary of Lincoln’s settlement in New Salem. 

It was at this time in his life that his storytelling career was first documented, so 

urging festivals to take place in that year seems most appropriate. Planning will

start ahead of 2005.

Purpose or Goal—To use an interactive art form to celebrate Lincoln’s bicentennial, 

thus reaching yet another segment of the general public. Building awareness of

this bicentennial through multiple media will reach the maximum number of people. 

Funding Sources—Any hosting entity would raise the funds for its activities.

2006 Projects

Traveling Exhibits

The Life of Lincoln—Create multiple copies of a two-dimensional display 

fabricated with reproduction images for use in high-traffic areas where the general

public gathers—malls, building lobbies, airports, etc. They would meet shipping 

specifications, could be assembled by one person, need no supervision, and would

be exhibited on tabletops. The topic of this exhibit would be the story of Lincoln’s

life and legacy. 

Project Options—include traveling such exhibits by train and/or by flatboat 

recreating routes that Lincoln took.

Date—The exhibits should travel from mid-2007 through the end of 2009. 

Purpose or Goal—These exhibits should provide a broad background on Abraham

Lincoln to the general public before 2009. By placing them in high-traffic areas,

they would reach people who were not searching for information on Abraham

Lincoln but were pleasantly surprised to find it and learn from it. Using 

reproductions would make the displays themselves less expensive to create and

maintain. Reproduction images would not need to be in a secured, humidified, 

temperature and particulate controlled environment. Keeping the size of the 

displays so that one person can set them up would enhance use of the exhibits. 

Funding Sources—The Huntington Library in the Los Angeles area and the Gilder

Lehrman Institute of American History have partnered to create this exact type of

exhibition in the past. Also the Indiana Historical Society is already planning to 

travel a similar exhibit by train in Indiana. The funder would provide scheduling.

Public Outreach
48

Stage Presentations

Play—Announce via the ALBC website a contest to write a play that biographically

tells the life of Abraham Lincoln for community theater audiences. Work with the

American Association of Community Theatres to promote and judge the contest.

Select and announce winner. Encourage the play’s production at community theaters across the country. 

Project Options—This production could be presented as a one-man show, much on 

the order of James Whitmore’s “Give ‘em Hell Harry.” 

Date—Community theaters should be encouraged to produce this play in 2009. 

They usually set their schedules at least a year in advance, so promotion of the play 

should start in 2007. That means that the contest needs to end in mid-2006. 

Purpose or Goal—A play will reach audiences of the general public that might not 

otherwise have the opportunity to learn about Abraham Lincoln. The story of 

Lincoln’s life is not only history; it is drama. 

Funding Sources—Publishing companies, the American Association of Community 

Theatre, and the National Endowment for the Arts

Audio/Visual

The Emancipation Proclamation—Produce a docu-drama that illustrates the story 

of Lincoln’s decision to create such a document, the cabinet discussion about 

issuing it, the wait for a Union victory to announce it, and the formal signing of it on

January 1, 1863. Air it on PBS or C-SPAN. 

Project Options—Produce this as a part of a television series capturing the great 

accomplishments in Lincoln’s life. 

Date—September 22, 2007, is the 145th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation 

Proclamation announcement. January 1, 2008, is the 145th anniversary of the 

signing and issuance of the formal document. 

Purpose or Goal—To many, and to Lincoln himself, the Emancipation Proclamation

was the most important political document of his administration. It redefined the 

Civil War, changing it from a war for Union to a war for human freedom. This 

document is controversial to African-Americans—thus a story that must be told.

Funding Sources—NEH or private funds. A possible collaborator might be the

Chicago Historical Society. 

Public Outreach
49

2007 Projects

Audio/Visual

Lincoln Moments on Radio—This series will retell events of Lincoln’s life in a

biographical minute each day. Starting on February 12, 2008, and running through

April 15, 2009, each day at set times (preferably morning and evening drive time) a

narrator would tell a story from Lincoln’s life in one minute. This concept is based

on the bicentennial minutes done from July 1975 to July 1976. 

Project Options—These moments could also be produced for television. 

Date—Air dates—2/12/08 through 4/15/09; production to begin in 2007.

Purpose or Goal—Aired on Public Radio International, these moments will 

provide a brief but constant reminder of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. 

Funding Sources—Public Radio International might fund this project. 

National Television Tour of Lincoln Sites—This concept is based on the

C-SPAN Presidents series. It would follow the footsteps of Lincoln in multiple 

segments, featuring as many locations from Lincoln’s travels as possible in a

chronological order. 

Project Options—None.

Date—This series would air from January to March 2008 and in the same time 

period in 2009. It will encourage tourism to these locations during 2008 and 2009. 

Purpose or Goal—This project would enhance people’s knowledge of Lincoln and 

build a sense of pride with the regions connected to Lincoln—”George Washington

Slept Here.” It can result in tourism and economic development. 

Funding Sources—C-SPAN has created this format. 

Gettysburg Address—As another story in the television series, this speech, so

short and yet so powerful, explains the purpose of the Civil War with such simplicity.

It is re-enacted every year at Gettysburg. A production should include the story of

the battle, why a cemetery was needed, Lincoln’s afterthought-invitation and

acceptance, Tad’s illness, Edward Everett’s post-speech comments, etc. 

Project Options—Make it a part of the television series and include other turning 

points in Lincoln’s life.

Public Outreach
50

Date—2008 is the 145th anniversary of the delivery of the Gettysburg Address, 

so it should air in that year, preferably in November. 

Purpose or Goal—Edward Everett, the featured speaker of the day and the most 

prominent American orator of his time, wrote to Lincoln, “I should be glad, if I 

could flatter myself that I came as near the central idea of the occasion, in two

hours, as you did in two minutes.” Although it is debatable as to whether this is

Lincoln’s greatest speech, it is without a doubt that this is his best known. The

American public must be reminded of this momentous occasion and its legacy.

Funding Sources—PBS, the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, NEH

2008 Projects

Celebrations 

Capturing Americana—Bring attention to Abraham Lincoln through the dignified

uses of his name and/or image during famous American celebrations. For example,

design, build and fabricate a float depicting Abraham Lincoln for famous parades,

have a diverse group of children read Lincoln quotations accompanied by patriotic

music during A Capitol Fourth, have the story of Lincoln’s life be the theme of the

White House Christmas with the First Lady reading about Lincoln to a diverse group

of children on national television, etc. 

Project Options—None

Date—Target post 2/12/08 through 2/12/09

Purpose or Goal—To include Abraham Lincoln in traditional American 

celebrations. The tremendous exposure of events such as these would raise more

awareness of Lincoln’s bicentennial than any amount of advertising. 

Funding Sources—Corporate sponsors are likely. 

Coast-to-Coast Lincoln Highway Rally—The Lincoln Highway Association was

founded in 1913 with the goal of building a coast-to-coast automotive highway as a

memorial to Abraham Lincoln. It was completed in 1928. It became what is today’s

U.S. Highway 30 and Interstate 80. This proposal calls for a coast-to-coast rally of

antique cars in commemoration of both the highway itself and Abraham Lincoln.

Project Options—Make this a car parade, rather than a competitive rally. 

Public Outreach
51

Date—The summer of 2009 is the 95th anniversary of the Lincoln Highway 

Association. Organizing and funding would begin sooner. 

Purpose or Goal—Designed similarly to the Muddy River Run of antique autos on 

the Great River Road, which parallels the Mississippi River, this event would draw

audiences to each town as the cars passed through. It would also be the only

coast-to-coast activity as a part of the bicentennial celebration. Promoting tourism

as this event progressed would have an economic impact for each community on

the route. As a coast-to-coast event, it would have deep market penetration. 

Funding Sources—The Lincoln Highway Association (both the national 

organization and the state chapters), their respective grant sources, an entry fee

for participants, corporate sponsors from the automotive industry, etc.

Audio/Visual

Lincoln-Douglas Debates—Replay the production produced in 1993 or 1994 by

C-SPAN or use new live re-enactments, if available. The original production was

a re-enactment of the 1858 series of debates between Stephen A. Douglas and

Abraham Lincoln during their campaign for the United States Senate. They 

debated in seven cities throughout Illinois. 

Project Options—The Commission may also work with CSPAN on a new 

re-creation of the debates.

Date—2008 will be the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, so 

presentation in that year would be significant. 

Purpose or Goal—These debates were published and circulated throughout the 

nation even though the Senate race was confined to Illinois. They brought 

Lincoln his first national exposure and led to his opportunity to deliver the Cooper 

Union Address. Unlike the Cooper Union Address, many school children hear of 

the debates, but are uninformed of their content. This already-produced piece 

would teach many about the content of these debates and why they brought 

Lincoln to prominence. 

Funding Sources—C-SPAN. 

Public Outreach
52

Celebration

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday—Congress could pass a resolution urging Americans

to fly their flags and to observe a moment of silence nationally as a reverent way to

celebrate. This moment of silence could be part of the celebration below. Ringing

church bells, blowing sirens, etc. could end this moment of silence honoring the

man who was the first United States President to give his life for his country. 

See more below. 

During the day—2/12/09—would start with a Lincoln Moment on radio and television, and notice on morning news programs of later activities, interviews of Lincoln

Scholars and National Park Service personnel at all the Lincoln Parks, etc. The

staff of the ALBC or the marketing firm should flood the media with Lincoln sound

bites that can be used as filler. Contacts should be made to AMC and Turner

Classic Movies to urge them to run the various films made about Abraham Lincoln

during the week leading up to 2/12/09. C-SPAN and PBS would be encouraged 

to rerun their Lincoln series. 

The official celebration should start with the rededication of the Lincoln Memorial 

as planned by the Commission and the NPS. Following this rededication, the

National Symphony Orchestra and the United States Army Herald trumpets would

play in concert from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Large screen televisions

would be placed throughout the Mall. During breaks in the concert, live cutaways

could be simulcast. These cutaways would be to a ceremony at Lincoln’s Birth

Place where the Marine Band might perform a Sousa march (At the age of 12, 

John Phillip Sousa played for Lincoln while in the Marine Band.); to a celebration 

at Lincoln’s Boyhood Home in Indiana; to a tour of the Lincoln Home in Springfield,

IL; to a re-enactment at Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland; to a dedication 

at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania; to the above-noted official moment of silence

announced and held from Ford’s Theatre; to a light show at Mount Rushmore in

SD; and lastly to the joint meeting of Congress. Patriotic music performed during

the concert would include Copland’s Lincoln’s Portrait and the premiere of a newly

commissioned musical composition. Fireworks would conclude the event. 

Project Options—none.

Date—The above-described production would be planned earlier, but done live 

on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The Congressional proclamations would be

issued earlier, so that the media could inform the public of the time of the moment

of silence. 

Public Outreach
53

Purpose or Goal—To bring national attention to the man who saved the Union and

ended slavery 

Funding Sources—Congress and numerous national private sources. The productio

itself would be aired on television. 

State Celebrations—Encourage states to celebrate this national historic day.

Project Options—Each celebration can be as elaborate as desired from a simple 

Gubernatorial Declaration to establishing a state holiday. The states in which 

Lincoln resided are also planning some combined activities. These are being 

coordinated by the States Liason Committee. 

Date—States can plan as desired, although their activities should be coordinated 

with the official national celebration. 

Purpose or Goal—The ALBC should encourage each state to host a celebration or 

observance of some kind to remind them of the significance of this occasion. 

Funding Sources—Combination of state and private resources.

Town Hall Meetings—How better to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday than by using 

this primary vehicle of democracy—after all, he preserved our system of government

for us all.

Project Options—Each celebration can be as elaborate as desired from a simple 

Mayoral Declaration to establishing a town holiday. 

Date—February 12, 2009, coordinated with the national celebration. 

Purpose or Goal—The ALBC should encourage each town to host a celebration or 

observance of some kind to bring this celebration to the local level. Lincoln is 

revered as our greatest president. “It is only fitting and proper” to honor him. 

Funding Sources—Combination of town and private resources.

Public Outreach

international outreach
57

international outreach

Members of the International Outreach Committee:

Gabor Boritt (Chair), Jim Horton, Frank Williams

Mission Statement

The mission of the International Committee is to illuminate, before as many 

people of the globe as possible, the leader who represents the best of America.

Partnerships

In support of its efforts, the Commission plans to involve the State Department’s

Public Diplomacy Section and the cultural attachés of the embassies in

Washington, as well as the Fulbright Commission and its affiliates abroad. 

The Netherlands America Commission for Educational Exchange (NACEE), 

for example, already operates international programs to promote scholarly

exchange and international scholarship. There are similar organizations in

Germany, France, Japan, and other countries, providing the advantage of

already-established scholarly allies.

Conference of International Scholars

The Commission recommends the convening of a Conference of International

Scholars, starting perhaps with the Salzburg Seminar, but finding partners around

the globe. One specific topic might be “War, Race, and Reconciliation” which

would bring together scholars to discuss such conflicts as those in Northern

Ireland, the Middle East, South Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States. 

Most pertinent to the work of the Commission would be a focus on the American

Civil War, slavery, and the lingering issues of race. In addition, the principles 

and issues connected to Lincoln’s administration are relevant for understanding 

the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ending of the Cold War, and abolition of South

African apartheid.

The Commission also recommends the convening of an international conference

on slavery and the slave trade. Such a project could be carried out in conjunction with the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and

Abolition at Yale University, the Nationaal Instituut Nederlands Slavernijverleden
58

en Erfenis in Amsterdam, and the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool,

England, which are studying and providing public educational programming on

this issue. This will help to establish an international context for understanding

the significance of slavery in the United States, one of the central issues faced 

by the Lincoln administration. Significantly, the Dutch, who transported the first

slaves to Jamestown in 1619, abolished slavery in 1863, the year of Lincoln’s

Emancipation Proclamation.

Gettysburg Address

Another manner in which the Lincoln message might be shared with those from

around the world is to translate into 200 languages the Gettysburg Address, or

the words, "government of the people, by the people, for the people." This could

appear in bronze or marble on the ground at the new Gettysburg Museum and

Visitors Center, or perhaps the proposed Lincoln sculpture garden. Bronze

plaques could also be placed around the globe. The translated speech could 

also be printed on small collectable cards, or placed on coins or stamps. A

conference of translators and cultural workers might be convened to discuss 

the meanings in other cultures of the principles in the Gettysburg Address and

other Lincoln documents that might be translated. 

Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln

The Commission recommends establishing a project that would make the

Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln and other significant related work available

to libraries and educational institutions around the world. This could involve

translating many of these works into various languages and should be 

undertaken in conjunction with the Gettysburg Address translation project.

Commerative Postage Stamps

The Commission will encourage other countries to issue commemorative postage

stamps honoring Abraham Lincoln. Outreach will be made to cultural attachés at

various foreign embassies.

International Lincoln Association

The Commission plans to work with the International Lincoln Association

(ILA), headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana. The ILA is a non-profit

organization devoted to understanding Abraham Lincoln's legacy abroad,

and has chapters in Argentina and India.

International Outreach
LINCOLN AND THE ARTS
61

LINCOLN AND THE ARTS

Members of the Lincoln and the Arts Committee: Louise Taper (Chair), 

Darrel Bigham, Gabor Boritt, Harold Holzer, Congressman Ray LaHood and

Governor James Thompson. 

Mission Statement

The mission of this committee is to celebrate the Lincoln legacy through artistic

works of timeless significance. Through paintings, sculptures, music, and other

works of art, the committee wishes to educate the widest possible audience

about this great American statesman.

Sculpture Garden

In order to create a lasting tribute to Lincoln on the occasion of his bicentennial,

we support the creation of a sculpture garden in Washington, DC. Such a 

memorial would be located far away from the Mall and the existing Lincoln

Memorial, and might help encourage tourists to visit overlooked areas in the

national capital. Possible locations include the Soldiers’ Home and the National

Arboretum. The sculpture garden would be made up of castings of the 

great Lincoln statues, such as Augustus Saint Gaudens’ magnificent work in

Lincoln Park in Chicago. Other works related to Lincoln could be added, 

including the Robert Gould Shaw memorial, also by St. Gaudens. 

Further along in the process, we will create a short list of sculptures that we

would consider. The executive director has already spoken with representatives

of the Saint Gaudens Memorial, the Saint Gaudens National Historic Site and

Chesterwood, the home of Daniel Chester French, about the reproduction of the

famous sculptures under their care.

Castings could also be done of privately owned Lincoln sculptures, including the

large Borglum head, copies of which can be found at the White House and

Lincoln’s tomb. 

One of the pieces in the sculpture garden could be the work of a contemporary

sculptor. There could also be a competition for designing one of the pieces.

Funds for this project would be raised from private sources.
62

Traveling Art Exhibition

The Commission recommends the creation or endorsement of at least one

traveling Lincoln art exhibition in 2009. The executive director has already met

with the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and they have

expressed their support for this idea. 

Music

The ALBC recommends the commissioning of a new musical work that could

serve as a theme music for the bicentennial. Contemporary classical composers

or popular artists could be approached. 

It is the committee’s hope that the composer or artist chosen would create a work

that would be popular and recognizable all over the country and would help bring

attention to Abraham Lincoln on the occasion of his 200th birthday.

Preservation of Lincoln Art

The Commission recommends support for a program to perserve Lincoln statuary

and other works of art throughout the country. Many of these tributes have 

deteriorated badly with the passage of time. Such activities would be carried 

out in consultation with experts in the field of art restoration.

Lincoln and the Arts
Publications 
65

Publications 

Members of the Publications Committee: Gabor Boritt (Chair), 

Darrel Bigham, Jim Horton, Frank Williams

Mission Statement

The Publication Committee’s mission is to place before both the American public

and the global public the best of Lincoln. Publications should be in print, on CD,

and on the web. Three different audiences need to be reached: 1. Children. 2.

Adults. 3. Scholars. Our priorities should be the children and the adults of the

general public though we must bear in mind that the Lincoln Sesquicentennial

Commission made major scholarly contributions.

Lincoln Pamphlet

The Commission recommends the creation of a 15,000 word pamphlet of the

best of Lincoln’s writings. The printed version should be sent to all schools and

libraries in the United States. In addition, the pamphlet should be made available

online, and by written request. Availability should be publicized via the

Commission website as well as other methods.

The pamphlet needs to be translated into as many languages as possible. A

bilingual approach is the most useful. As a rule, translations should be made in

descending order based on the number of people speaking a language, starting

with Mandarin Chinese (close to one billion speakers). Competent professionals

should make the translations with the final version created by a distinguished

writer of the language. 

Children’s Biography 

The Commission should sponsor a new biography of Lincoln for children, based

on the most up to date scholarship. This should also appear in bilingual versions

following the above formula.
66

Catalogues

The Commission is proposing to create a sculpture garden, sponsor an exhibit 

of paintings and other art work, and commission a new work of music. All of

these should be accompanied with free brochures and pamphlets written by 

the curators. Book-length versions can also be published.

The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia

The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia, edited by the Pulitzer Prize-winning 

Mark E. Neely, Jr, and published in 1982, needs to be updated to reflect the 

fruits of the renaissance of Lincoln studies over the past decade and a half.

Lincoln Day by Day

The three volume Lincoln Day by Day, completed under the auspices of the

Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, is one of that body’s most important 

legacies. Updating it is essential and would be of interest to many, though the

principal audience for such work would be scholars. The Commission wishes 

to recognize the efforts of The Papers of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois,

as they begin this process online.

Heritage Tourism

The ALBC plans to produce a guide to Lincoln sites throughout the country. 

Such a publication would encourage heritage tourism, which is an important and

popular component of the Lewis and Clark bicentennnial.

Publications
states liaison
states liaIson

Members of the Committee: Darrel Bigham (Chair), Joan Flinspach, 

Tommy Turner

Mission Statement

To inform the citizens of each state of planning for the Lincoln Bicentennial at the

Federal level and encourage planning for activities that observe the impact of

Lincoln in their respective states.

Status

Lincoln bicentennial planning committees are in place in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,

Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. For the most part, they are supported by private,

not-for-profit agencies. Efforts to create publicly-supported commissions have been

limited so far by fiscal challenges.

Illinois’ Lincoln Bicentennial Task Force is quasi-public and chaired by the 

State Comptroller. 

In addition to planning their bicentennial celebrations, the state of Illinois is also

the home of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, a non-profit coalition of

local communities and organizations that seek to preserve, develop and interpret

Lincoln sites and history throughout Illinois. In 1998, the group founded the first

State of Illinois Heritage Area, covering eight counties and funded from state and

federal grants, as well as private funding from local businesses and organizations. 

The Heritage Area designation allows visitors and residents to preserve and 

celebrate the cultural traditions of Lincoln. Looking for Lincoln was instrumental in

developing legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman

Ray LaHood (HR 3553), and in the Senate by Senator Dick Durbin (S.1941), to

designate the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Central Illinois, the heart

of the “Land of Lincoln.” The National Park Service’s Lincoln Home and The

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will serve as important hubs

within the Area. The Heritage Area designation will allow Looking for Lincoln to

secure Federal funding to coordinate and promote programs to interpret the 

natural, historic and cultural resources related to President Lincoln in Illinois.

69
70

Indiana’s effort has operated under the aegis of Historic Southern Indiana, a project

of the University of Southern Indiana, since its formation in the summer of 2001,

and has also received in-kind support from the Lincoln Museum and the Indiana

Historical Society. Committees and a strategic plan have been created. Efforts to

obtain a state commission will be pursued again in the General Assembly in 2005.

A Lincoln-themed general issue license plate for 2008-2013 was supported through

a unanimous vote on a joint resolution in the session of 2003.

Kentucky has had several planning meetings and has also sought the creation of 

a state commission. The planning committee is currently considering asking the

governor to create a commission by executive order. 

Beginning early in 2003, representatives from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky have

met to share information and resources and to plan projects that link all three

states. The “Lincoln States” group has created committees and plans to meet in

Springfield July 28 to develop a strategic plan.

The Governor of Pennsylvania, with the encouragement of the ALBC commissioner

from the Commonwealth, recently formed a bicentennial commission in that state.

The plans underway in these four states, individually and collectively, are impressive. The Committee has recommended that the co-chairs of the ALBC contact the

governors of the other forty-six states to encourage them to designate a person 

or agency to provide a liaison to the ALBC and to coordinate planning for the 

celebration of the impact of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency in that state. 

States Liaison
website www.lincolnbicentennial.gov
website www.lincolnbicentennial.gov

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission invites people throughout the

United States and all over the world to participate in the celebration of

Lincoln’s 200th birthday. To that end, the Commission established a website,

www.lincolnbicentennial.gov, that allows visitors to explore Lincoln’s life and

legacy, learn about the work of the Commission, and share their ideas for

the celebration.

Since the creation of the website, thousands of suggestions have been submitted, all of which have been read and evaluated by Commissioners and

staff. Many of these ideas appear in various forms throughout this report.

Even in the darkest hours of the Civil War, Lincoln never lost his faith in the

wisdom of the American people, and the Commission has similarly relied

upon their sound advice.

Visitors to the website may also request a free poster of Lincoln, ideal for the

classroom. Each poster features an iconic photograph of Lincoln, the date

of the bicentennial, an explanation of Lincoln’s important role in American

history, and the website address. Thousands of posters have been distributed, thereby helping to inform the public about the upcoming celebration. 

The website will be enhanced to include a detailed calendar of activities, 

lesson plans, and more biographical and historical information. It will be 

the primary source of information for all those wishing to participate in 

the festivities.

73

12

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
77

Advisory Committee

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Ken Apschnikat, Hodgenville, KY

Superintendent of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

National Historic Site.

Jean Baker, Baltimore, MD

History professor at Goucher College in Maryland,

leading biographer of Mary Todd Lincoln.

William Bartelt, Newburgh, IN

High school teacher for three decades, and

longtime student of Lincoln’s Indiana years.

Dr. Ira Berlin, College Park, MD

Professor of history at the University of Maryland,

and author of numerous books on slavery and 

emancipation.

Michael Beschloss, Washington, DC

Presidential historian and award-winning author.

Richard Blackett, Nashville, TN

Professor of History at Vanderbilt.

Dr. David Blight, Amherst, MA

Award-winning author, Director of the Gilder

Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery

Resistance and Abolition at Yale.

Professor Alan Brinkley, New York, NY

Provost and Professor of 20th century American 

history at Columbia University.

Dr. Larry Burgess, Redlands, CA

Director of the A.K. Smiley Library and Museum,

and the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.

Ken Burns, Walpole, NH

Award-winning filmmaker (The Civil War )

and author.

Steven L. Carson, Silver Spring, MD

Former Editor of the Manuscript Society News.

Julie Cellini, Springfield, IL

Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Historic

Preservation Agency and Secretary of the Abraham

Lincoln Presidential Library.

Joan Chaconas, Clinton, MD

Former president of the Lincoln Group of the

District of Columbia and Lincoln Forum Advisory

Board member.

Dr. Catherine Clinton, Riverside, CT

Noted historian and author of Harriet Tubman.

Sheldon Cohen, Washington, DC

Former IRS Commissioner, current Abraham Lincoln

Association Board Member.

Maynard Crossland, Springfield, IL

Director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The Honorable Mario Cuomo, New York, NY

Former Governor of New York, co-editor of the award

winning book Lincoln on Democracy, and author of

Why Lincoln Matters.

Richard Nelson Current, South Natick, MA

Dean of Lincoln scholars and distinguished author.

Jon Dalager, Georgetown, KY

Chair of the Politics Department at Georgetown

College.

Cullom Davis, Springfield, IL

Retired history and Lincoln studies professor at

the University of Illinois, and former director of

The Lincoln Legal Papers.

William C. Davis, Blacksburg, VA

Professor of history at Virginia Tech and

prolific author.

Dr. Jeffery Dennis, Morehead, KY

Involved in city planning and architecture.

John Patrick Diggins, New York, NY

Distinguished professor at the City University

of New York.

David Herbert Donald, Lincoln Center, MA

Charles Warren Professor Emeritus of American

History and American Civilizations at Harvard

University and award-winning author of Lincoln.

The Honorable Jim Edgar, Champaign, IL

Lecturer and former Governor of Illinois.

Clark Evans, Frederick, MD

Senior Reference Specialist at the Library of

Congress, past president of the Lincoln Group

of the District of Columbia and the

Abraham Lincoln Institute.

Dr. Damon Eubank, Campbellsville, KY

Professor at Campbellsville University.

Stuart I. Fagan, University Park, IL

President of Governors State University.

Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Cambridge, MA

Dean of the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University,

president of the Southern Historical Association 

and author.

The Honorable Paul Findley, Jacksonville, IL

Served the 20th district of Illinois in the U.S. House

of Representatives for 22 years.
78

John B. Fisher

Only living member of the Lincoln

Sesquicentennial Commission, and former

staff member for Senator Everett Dirksen.

Dr. Eric Foner, New York, NY

Professor of history at Columbia University and

the leading expert on Reconstruction.

Dr. John Hope Franklin, Durham, NC

Professor at Duke University, head of the

John Hope Franklin Institute and author of

From Slavery to Freedom.

Wilma Gibbs, Indianapolis, IN

Program archivist for African American history at

the Indiana Historical Society and screenwriter.

Richard Gilder, New York, NY

Co-founder of The Lincoln Prize at Gettysburg

College, Lincoln collector, and co-founder of the

Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Paul Gleason, Lincoln, IL

Historian and board member at the Lincoln

College Museum in Illinois.

Thavolia Glymph, Durham, NC

Professor of African American history at Duke

University and noted author.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Concord, MA

Former assistant to President Johnson and

award-winning author.

John Griswold, Beverly Hills, CA

Art conservator.

David Grubin, New York, NY

Filmmaker and director of A House Divided.

Dr. Allen Guelzo, Gettysburg, PA

Professor of history at Gettysburg College, and

award-winning author of Redeemer President

and Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Dr. Gordon A. Haaland, Gettysburg, PA

Former President of Gettysburg College.

Dr. Lowell Harrison, Bowling Green, KY

Professor Emeritus of history at Western

Kentucky University.

The Honorable Mark O. Hatfield, Portland, OR

Former U.S. Senator from Oregon, lecturer 

and scholar of Lincoln and his era.

Earl W. Henderson, Jr., Springfield, IL

Award-winning architect commissioned on such

projects as the Lincoln Home National Historic

Site and the Capital Complex Development.

Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, Notre Dame, IN

President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame

George Hicks, Harrisburg, PA

CEO of the National Civil War Museum.

Norman Hill, Washington, DC

President of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute.

Darlene Clark Hine, East Lansing, MI

Former president of the Organization of

American Historians.

Bradley R. Hoch, M.D., Gettysburg, PA

Physician, lecturer and author of

Looking for Lincoln's Philadelphia.

Carl Howell, Jr., Hodgenville, KY

President of the Preservation of Lincoln’s

Kentucky Heritage.

Dr. Charles M. Hubbard, Harrogate, TN

Dean of Lincolniana at Lincoln Memorial University.

Dr. Tera Hunter, Pittsburgh, PA

Noted author and historian.

Hon. Daniel Hynes, Springfield, IL

Illinois State Comptroller; Chairman, Illinois 

Lincoln Bicentennial Task Force.

The Honorable Andy Jacobs, Indianapolis, IN

Former U.S. Congressman representing Indiana’s

10th and 11th districts for 30 years, and current

adjunct professor at Indiana University and Purdue.

Professor Harry V. Jaffa, Claremont, CA

Distinguished Fellow of The Claremont Institute,

Professor Emeritus of Government at Claremont

McKenna College and the Claremont Graduate

School and author of numerous books and articles

on Abraham Lincoln.

Dr. Ed Jennings, Lexington, KY

Chair of the Department of Political Science

at the University of Kentucky.

Leah Jewett, Baton Rouge, LA

Director of the United States Civil War Center

at Louisiana State University.

Peter Kovler, Washington, DC

Chairman of the Franklin D. Roosevelt National

Centennial Committee.

Iris LaRue, Hodgenville, KY

Director of the Lincoln Museum.

Lewis Lehrman, Greenwich, CT

Co-founder of The Lincoln Prize at Gettysburg

College, Lincoln collector, and co-founder of the

Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Advisory Committee
79

Dr. Bruce Levine, Santa Cruz, CA

History professor at the University of California,

Santa Cruz, specializing in the Civil War era.

Dr. David E. Long, Greenville, NC

Professor of history at East Carolina University,

specializing in Civil War history and noted author.

Richard Lusardi, Springfield, IL

Superintendent of the Lincoln Home National

Historic Site.

Dr. James M. McPherson, Princeton, NJ

Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of

Freedom, and leading scholar on Lincoln

and the Civil War.

Thomas C. Mackey, Louisville, KY

Chair of the History Department at the

University of Louisville.

James Madison, Bloomington, IN

Professor of history at Indiana University, chair of

the Governor’s Civil War Memorial Committee in

Indiana, and author.

Jonathan Mann, New York, NY

Publisher of The Rail Splitter, a quarterly journal for

Lincoln collectors.

Dr. John Marszalek, Starkville, MS

Professor of history Emeritus at Mississippi State

University, accomplished author and respected expert in

the areas of African American and Civil War history.

Dr. Martin Marty, Riverside, IL

Award-winning author and Fairfax M. Cone

Distinguished Service Professor of the History of

Modern Christianity at the Divinity School of the

University of Chicago.

Dr. Edna Greene Medford, Washington, DC

Leading scholar of African American and Civil War

history, author of several books and articles on the

Emancipation Proclamation and noted speaker.

Dianne L. Meeks, Carbondale, IL

Serves on the board of Voices for Illinois Children

and the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

(SIUC) Foundation Board of Directors.

The Honorable Bob Michel, Washington, DC

Former U.S. Congressman from Illinois, former

Minority Whip and Minority Leader.

William Lee Miller, Charlottesville, VA

Author of Lincoln’s Virtues.

Richard Moe, Washington , DC

President of the National Trust for Historic

Preservation.

Dr. Lucas Morel, Lexington, VA

Assistant professor of politics at Washington and

Lee Unversity, and author of Lincoln’s Sacred Effor

Dr. Mark E. Neely, Jr., University Park, PA

Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and former director 

of The Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne.

Robert Newtson, Flagstaff, AZ

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at

the Grand Canyon National Park Foundation.

Dr. Philip Paludan, Springfield, IL

Noted Civil War scholar and award-winning author

of The Presidency of Abraham Lincoln.

Dr. William Pederson, Shreveport, LA

Leading Presidential scholar, organizer of the first

conference on Lincoln in the Deep South and

author/co-editor of many books on Lincoln.

Geoffrey Perret

Author of the acclaimed books Ulysses S. Grant,

Eisenhower, and Lincoln’s War.

Dr. Matthew Pinsker, Lancaster, PA

Professor of history at Dickinson College and noted

author of Lincoln’s Sanctuary.

Dwight T. Pitcaithley, Reston, VA

Chief historian of the National Park Service and

national figure in Civil War and Lincoln-era site

preservation and interpretation.

Charles D. Platt, Greenwood Village, CO

Treasurer of the Lincoln Forum, officer in

The Churchill Society, and former COO of

Alamo Car Rental.

John Power, Jacksonville, IL

Publisher and general manager of the

Jacksonville Courier.

Dr. Gerald Prokopowicz, Greenville, NC

Professor of history at East Carolina University.

Dr. Ron Rietveld, Fullerton, CA

Prominent speaker and author on Lincoln with

expertise in the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr., Blacksburg, VA

Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech

University specializing in Lincoln and the Civil War

and award-winning author.

Dr. Ronald Schilling Lincoln, IL

President of Lincoln College.

The Honorable Charles Scholz

Mayor of Quincy, Illinois.

Dr. Barry Schwartz, Athens, GA

Award-winning author of Abraham Lincoln and

the Forge of National Memory.

Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee

80

Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz, Springfield, IL

Ilinois state historian, expert in Civil War history and

organizer of the annual Abraham Lincoln Association

Symposium.

Dr. John Sellers, Washington, DC

Historical specialist on the American Civil War and 

the Lincoln Curator at the Library of Congress.

Jeff Shaara, Missoula, MT

Successful author of historical novels.

Joshua Wolf Shenk

Author, essayist, and storyteller. His work has appeared

in Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times and GQ.

Dr. Nina Silber, Boston, MA

Professor of history at Boston University.

Dr. John Y. Simon, Carbondale, IL

Professor of history at Southern Illinois University,

executive committee member of the Lincoln Forum,

and Dean of American Documentary Editors.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter

Represents the 28th District of the State of New York,

and originally from Harlan County, Kentucky.

Richard Slotkin, Wesleyan, CT

Olin Professor and the former director of American

Studies at Wesleyan University.

Jack Smith, South Bend, IN

Abraham Lincoln collector and generous supporter

of LIBO: Lincoln Picture Collection.

The Honorable Mark Souder, Washington, DC

U.S. Congressman representing Indiana’s

Fourth District.

Edward Steers, Jr., Berkeley Springs, WV

Author of several books on Lincoln, Review and

Internet editor of the Lincoln Herald and associate 

editor of North and South magazine.

Daniel W. Stowell, Springfield, IL

Director and editor of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln.

James Swanson, Washington, DC

Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation,

and author of Lincoln's Assassins: Their Trial

and Execution.

Dr. Craig L. Symonds, Annapolis, MD

U.S. Naval Academy professor, author

and Civil War expert.

Lawrence P. Taylor, Gettysburg, PA

Former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia.

Dr. Wayne C. Temple, Springfield, IL

Noted historian, author and former editor of 

the Lincoln Herald.

Carolyn Texley, Fort Wayne, IN

Director of Collections and Archivist, The Lincoln

Museum.

Honorable Roger Truitt

Mayor of Hodgenville, Kentucky.

Laurie Verge, Clinton, MD

Serves on the Advisory Board of the Lincoln Forum

and former president of The Lincoln Group of

the District of Columbia.

Michael Vorenberg, Providence, RI

Author and professor of history at Brown University 

expertise in the Civil War, emancipation and Lincoln

Geoffrey C. Ward, New York, NY

Historian, screenwriter, and award-winning author.

Dr. Margaret Washington, Ithaca, NY

African American studies professor at Cornell Unive

Sam Waterston, New York, NY

Star of NBC’s Law & Order, and has portrayed Linc

on stage and screen.

Daniel Weinberg, Chicago, IL

Proprietor of the legendary Abraham Lincoln

Bookshop in Chicago and noted expert on Lincoln

manuscripts and artifacts.

Randy Wester, Lincoln City, IN

Superintendent, Lincoln Boyhood National Memoria

Dr. Ronald C. White

Professor of American Intellectual and Religious

History at the San Francisco Theological Seminary,

author of Lincoln’s Greatest Speech.

Dr. Robert Wilburn, Washington, DC

President of the Gettysburg National Battlefield

Museum Foundation and former president and

CEO of Colonial Williamsburg.

Dr. Roger Wilkins, Washington, DC

Professor of history at George Mason University,

Pulitzer Prize-winner, and board member of the

NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

The Honorable Ann Williams, Chicago, IL

District court judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Dr. Douglas Wilson, Galesburg, IL

Co-director of the Lincoln Studies Center and

award-winning author of Honor’s Voice.

Jay Winik, Chevy Chase, MD

Best-selling author of April 1865.

Dr. Kenneth Winkle, Lincoln, NE

Chair of the department of history at the University 

of Nebraska, and author of The Young Eagle.

Michael Zurcher, Fort Wayne, IN

Noted Lincoln collector.
endorsement form
83

APPLICATION FOR ENDORSEMENT OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY

OR PROJECT BY THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION

Proposed Activity:

Sponsor(s):

Date of Activity:

Location of Activity:

I. Does the proposal fit into the mission statement of the ALBC, as proposed in 

Congressional legislation in 2000 that was revised in 2003?

Yes____

No____

The Commission shall have the following duties:

1. To study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to determine whether the

activities are fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on the occasion of the bicentennial of

Lincoln’s birth, including

A. the minting of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial penny;

B. the issuance of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial postage stamp;

C. the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of Congress for ceremonies and 

activities relating to Abraham Lincoln;

D. a rededication of the Lincoln Memorial, or other activity with respect to the Memorial; 

and

E. the acquisition and preservation of artifacts associated with Abraham Lincoln.

2. To recommend to Congress the activities that the Commission considers most fitting 

and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on such occasion, and the entity or entities in the 

Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out such activities.

3. To recommend to Congress a plan to carry out the activities recommended under paragraph 2.

4. To carry out other related activities in support of the duties carried out under paragraphs 1

through 3.
84

II. Is this project inclusive—in audience, promotion, and program?

Yes____ How?

No____

III. Is this proposal a commercial venture?

Yes____

No____

IV. Is there a plan to maximize the impact of the project by, for example, holding of press 

conference, inviting television coverage, or creating videotape, DVD, websites, or other 

electronic and print media?

Yes____ How?

No____

V. Does the proposal have long-term impact?

Yes____ How?

No____

VI. Is there evidence of collaboration with Federal and/or Non-Governmental Organizations?

Yes____ How?

No____

VII. Does this proposal request ALBC financial support?

Yes____

No____

Projects and activities endorsed by the ALBC should include the words 

“in cooperation with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission” and use 

the logo of the ALBC.

Endorsement
ethics rules
87

Ethics and Conflict of Interest Rules for the

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission 

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON GIFTS. 

Subject to the exceptions set forth in this rule, no Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

("Commission") Member or employee, or the spouse or dependent thereof, shall knowingly accept,

directly or indirectly, any gift or gifts having an aggregate value exceeding $100 during a calendar

year from any person, 

organization, corporation, or other entity having a direct interest in matters before 

the Commission. 

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this rule:

(a) DIRECT INTEREST.—The term "direct interest" means the person, organization, corpora

tion, or other entity has submitted a plan, proposal, application, or other suggestion to the

Commission in response to a solicitation or other formal request for plans, proposals, applications, or

suggestions relating to the Commission’s authorized activities.

(b) GIFT.—The term "gift" means a payment, subscription, advance, forbearance, rendering,

or deposit of money, services, or anything of value, including food, lodging, transportation, or entertainment, and reimbursement for other than necessary expenses, unless consideration of equal or

greater value is received.

(c) MATERIAL FINANCIAL INTEREST.—The term "material financial interest" means a 

financial interest of any kind in an organization, corporation, or other entity, which, in view of all the

circumstances, is substantial enough that it would, or reasonably could, affect the judgment of a

Commission Member or employee with respect to contracts or transactions between the Commission

and such organization, corporation, or other entity.

(d) NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, AND RELATED 

EXPENSES.—The term "necessary transportation, lodging, and related expenses"—

(1) includes reasonable expenses that are necessary for travel for a period not exceeding

three days exclusive of travel time within the United States or seven days exclusive of travel time 

outside the United States unless approved in advance by the Commission/Committee of the

Commission;

(2) is limited to reasonable expenditures for transportation, lodging, 

conference fees and materials, and food and refreshments, including necessary transportation,

whether or not such transportation occurs within the periods described in paragraph (1) of this 

subsection;

(3) does not include expenditures for recreational activities or entertainment, other than

that provided to all attendees as an integral part of the event, except for activities or entertainment

otherwise permissible under this rule; and
88

(4) may include travel expenses incurred on behalf of either the spouse or child of the

Commission Member or employee, subject to a certification signed by the Commission Member

(or in the case of an employee, subject to a determination by the Commission/Committee of the

Commission) that the attendance of the spouse or child is appropriate to assist in the representation of the Commission.

(e) PERSONAL HOSPITALITY.—The term "personal hospitality" has the same meaning

given to such term in section 109(14) of title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (Public

Law 95-521).

(f) RELATIVE.—The term "relative" has the same meaning given to such term in section

107(2) of title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-521).

SEC. 3. RETURN OR REIMBURSEMENT.

If a Commission Member or employee, after exercising reasonable diligence to obtain the

information necessary to comply with this rule, unknowingly accepts a gift described in Section 1,

such Commission Member or employee shall, upon learning of the nature of the gift and its

source, return the gift or, if it is not possible to return the gift, reimburse the donor for the value of

the gift.

SEC. 4. EXCLUSIONS.

(a) The prohibitions of Section 1 do not apply to –

(1) a political contribution otherwise allowed under State or Federal law;

(2) a loan made in a commercially reasonable manner (including requirements that the loan be

repaid and that a reasonable rate of interest be paid);

(3) a bequest, inheritance, or other transfer at death;

(4) a bona fide award presented in recognition of public service and available to the general 

public;

(5) attendance at an event or function if attendance is appropriate to the performance of the 

official duties or representative function of the Commission Member or employee, provided such

individual receives no other gifts that exceed the restrictions in this rule;

(6) meals, beverages, or entertainment consumed or enjoyed, provided the meals, beverages, or

entertainment are not consumed or enjoyed in connection with a gift of overnight lodging;

(7) anything which is paid for by the Federal Government, by a State or local government, or

secured by the Federal Government or by a State or local government under a Government 

contract; 

(8) anything of value given to a spouse or dependent of a Commission Member or employee by

the employer of such spouse or dependent in recognition of the service provided by such spouse

or dependent;

(9) a gift from relatives;

Ethics Statement
89

(10) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual, provided by an individual on the basis of personal

friendship, unless the Commission Member or employee has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position of the Commission Member or

employee and not because of personal friendship; 

(11) a gift with a value of less than $35; 

(12) any direct payment or reimbursement (including payment in kind) to a Commission Member or

employee, from an individual for necessary transportation, lodging, and related expenses for travel

to a meeting, speaking engagement, fact-finding trip, or similar event in connection with the official

duties of the Commission Member or employee as an officeholder, provided the Commission

Member or employee complies with subsection (c) of this section; or

(13) anything for which, in an unusual case, a waiver is granted by the Commission/Committee of

the Commission.

(b) In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship under paragraph

(10) of this section, the Commission Member or employee shall consider the circumstances under

which the gift was offered, such as:

(1) the history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the recipient of the gift,

including any previous exchange of gifts between such individuals;

(2) whether to the actual knowledge of the Commission Member or employee the individual who

gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the

gift; and

(3) whether to the actual knowledge of the Commission Member or employee the individual who

gave the gift also gave at the same time the same or similar gifts to other Commission Members,

officers, or employees.

(c) A direct payment of, or reimbursement for, necessary transportation, lodging, and related

expenses will be exempted from the prohibitions of Section 1 if —

(1) the Commission Member or employee discloses to the Commission within 30 days after the travel is completed the expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed and anything of value in excess

of $100 received; and 

(2) each disclosure made under paragraph 1 of expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed is

signed by the Commission Member or employee and includes—

(A) a good faith estimate of total transportation expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed;

(B) a good faith estimate of total lodging expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed;

(C) a good faith estimate of total meal expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed;

(D) a good faith estimate of the total of other expenses paid, reimbursed, or to be reimbursed;

(E) a certification that all such expenses are necessary transportation, lodging, and related expenses

as defined in this rule; 

Ethics Statement
90

(F) in the case of a direct payment of, or reimbursement for, necessary transportation, lodging,

and related expenses to a Commission Member, a certification that the travel was in connection

with the official duties of the Commission Member as an officeholder and would not create the

appearance that the Commission Member is using his/her service on the Commission for private

gain; and

(3) in the case of an employee, such employee receives advance authorization from

the Commission/Committee of the Commission, to accept such direct payment or reimbursement

and such advance authorization is approved by the Commission/Committee of the Commission

and includes:

(A) the name of the employee;

(B) the name of the person who will make the reimbursement;

(C) the time, place, and purpose of the travel; and

(D) a determination that the travel is in connection with the duties of the employee as an

officeholder and would not create the appearance that the employee is using his/her employment

with the Commission for private gain.

(d) If a direct payment or reimbursement does not conform to the requirements of 

subsection (c), the Commission Member or employee shall return any such amounts received for

such transportation, lodging, and related expenses. If return of such amounts is not possible, 

the Commission Member or employee shall pay the donor for the value of such transportation,

lodging, and related expenses. 

SEC. 5. SOLICITATION OF GIFTS.

No Commission Member or employee shall solicit anything of value from a person seeking official action from or doing business with the Commission.

SEC. 6. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

(a) No Commission Member shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly,

by reason of his/her service to the Commission. 

(b) If a Commission Member has a conflict of interest with regard to any matter pending

before the Commission, that Commission Member shall not make or participate in the debate, 

discussion, or decision on such matter, nor shall the Commission Member attempt to exert, directly or indirectly, personal influence with respect to such matter.

(c) For the purposes of this section, the following circumstances shall be deemed to 

create a conflict of interest:

Ethics Statement
91

(1) the consideration, approval, or existence of a contract or transaction between the

Commission and a Commission Member, employee, or relative of a Commission Member or

employee;

(2) the consideration, approval, or existence of a contract or transaction between the

Commission and an entity in which the Commission Member, employee, or relative of a

Commission Member or employee has a material financial interest;

(3) the consideration, approval, or existence of a contract or transaction between the

Commission and an entity in which the Commission Member, employee, or relative of a

Commission Member or employee is a director, officer, agent, partner, associate, trustee, personal representative, receiver, guardian, custodian, conservator, or other legal representative.

(d) Prior to Commission action on a matter, any Commission Member in attendance who

has a conflict of interest with regard to that matter shall disclose in writing the existence of such

conflict to the Commission. 

SEC. 7. EFFECT ON ETHICS RULES OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE AND THE UNITED

STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Nothing in this rule supercedes any of the requirements of the Ethics Rules set forth by

the United States House of Representatives or the United States Senate, as applied to Members,

employees, or officers of the United States House of Representatives or the United States

Senate.

Ethics Statement