Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation facts for kids
The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation is a group that continues the work of the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC). This commission was created by the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States to plan celebrations for Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday in 2009. The original commission finished its work on April 30, 2010.
The foundation helps start and support important programs across the country. These programs remember Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th president. They also keep alive his ideas and the impact he had on history. This is especially true during the five-year period celebrating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The foundation builds on the ALBC's original goals. These goals included early education, expert research, online information, books, public events, and local activities. The foundation offers support, sponsorship, and advice to non-profit groups. These groups work to share knowledge, protect historic places and items, and get many different people interested in topics like leadership, freedom, fairness, and opportunity.
History of the Foundation
During its nine years, the original ALBC created a foundation. This foundation helped raise private money for its events, books, educational outreach, and website. Former U.S. Congressman Bill Gray and the late Congressman Jack Kemp were the first leaders of the foundation. They helped it become an independent group for the future. After the ALBC finished its work in 2009, historians Jean Soman and Orville Vernon Burton briefly led the Foundation.
In 2009 and 2010, the foundation reorganized itself. It chose more board members and a new chairman, historian Harold Holzer. He had also helped lead the ALBC. The foundation announced its new board and expanded mission on February 10, 2011. This announcement happened at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed at this hotel 150 years earlier in 1861. This was just before he became president.
The foundation also announced its first round of funding. It decided to help pay for two activities in Washington, D.C. It also supported one Lincoln-related historic site in Pennsylvania.
- Peace Conference Commemoration: The foundation helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the National Peace Conference. This event happened at the Willard Hotel in February 1861. It was the last big effort to stop states from leaving the Union and prevent the Civil War. Funding for "The Peace Convention at 150: A Call to Compromise" helped support a day-long meeting of experts. It also helped create a special plaque and featured actor Stephen Lang performing Lincoln's speeches. The Lincoln at the Crossroads Alliance started and organized this project.
- Lincoln's First Inauguration: The foundation offered support for the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's first inauguration. This event took place on March 5, 2011. It included a ceremony and a re-enactment at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center in Washington. There was also a lunch program and talks by historians at the Willard Hotel. The Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia started and organized this event.
- Gettysburg Railroad Station: The foundation helped staff and maintain the Historic Gettysburg Railroad Station for one year. This old train station is still standing where Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863. He came to deliver his most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address. The National Park Service was planning to take over the building. It became a visitor spot in 2007 but was at risk of closing before the Park Service took control.
Since it started, the Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants. These grants support educational, performance, research, and program activities in many states.
For three years in a row, the Foundation has worked with HistoryMiami. They co-sponsored a public history program to explore Lincoln and Civil War history. Famous experts like Craig L. Symonds, "Bud" Robertson, and James M. McPherson have spoken at these events.
Foundation Board Members
The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation is guided by a board of dedicated experts. These individuals volunteer their time and knowledge to help the foundation achieve its goals.
- Harold Holzer from Rye, NY, is the chairman. He is a well-known author and expert on Lincoln and the Civil War era. He has written or edited many books and articles. In 2008, he received the National Humanities Medal from the U.S. President. He also works as a Senior Vice President at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Dr. Orville Vernon Burton from Ninety Six, SC, is the vice chairman. He is an award-winning author and teacher. He is a professor of history at Clemson University. He also leads the Clemson University Cyberinstitute.
Other board members include historians, lawyers, journalists, and community leaders. They all share a passion for Lincoln's legacy. They bring different skills and experiences to help the foundation.
Applying for Support
The Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation welcomes requests for support and sponsorship. They review these proposals at their regular meetings, which happen every three months.
Non-profit organizations and groups can ask the ALBF for help with their projects and events. The foundation carefully considers all requests that fit its mission.
