Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation facts for kids

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation is a special group that helps keep the memory and ideas of Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th president, alive. It was created after a special commission, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC), finished its work. The ALBC was set up by the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States to celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday in 2009. The ALBC completed its mission on April 30, 2010.

The Foundation works to start and support cool and important programs across the country. These programs remember Lincoln and help people understand his ideas and how he impacted America. This was especially important during the five-year period remembering the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The Foundation builds on the ALBC's original goals, which included early education, expert research, online information, books, public events, and community projects. It offers help, support, and advice to non-profit groups. These groups share knowledge, protect historic places and items, and get different people interested in topics like leadership, freedom, equality, and opportunity.

History of the Foundation

During its nine years, the original ALBC created a foundation to raise private money. This money helped pay for its events, publications, educational programs, and website. Former U.S. Congressman Bill Gray and the late Congressman Jack Kemp were the first leaders of this foundation. They helped guide it to become independent in the future. In 2009 and 2010, 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 goals on February 10, 2011. This announcement happened at an event at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. This was the same hotel where Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed for ten days before he became president 150 years earlier in 1861.

The Foundation also announced that it had committed to help fund three projects. Two were in Washington, D.C., and one was at a historic Lincoln site in Pennsylvania.

• Peace Conference Commemoration: The Foundation helped with a full-day event remembering the 150th anniversary of the National Peace Conference. This conference, held at the Willard Hotel in February 1861, was the last big effort to stop states from leaving the Union and prevent the Civil War. The Foundation's funding for "The Peace Convention at 150: A Call to Compromise" helped support a scholarly meeting, a special plaque, and a performance of Lincoln's speeches by actor Stephen Lang.
• Lincoln's First Inauguration Anniversary: The Foundation also offered support for the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's first inauguration. This event took place on March 5, 2011. It included a ceremony and re-enactment at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center in Washington. There was also a luncheon and talks by historians at the Willard Hotel.
• Gettysburg Railroad Station Support: The Foundation provided support to help staff and maintain the Historic Gettysburg Railroad Station for one year. This landmark train station is still standing where Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863. He came to deliver his most famous speech there. The building became a visitor spot in 2007. It was going to close before the National Park Service took it over.

Since it started, the Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants. These grants support educational, performance, research, and other programs in many states. For three years in a row, the Foundation has also worked with HistoryMiami to host public history programs. These programs explore different parts of 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. They include historians, authors, lawyers, and community leaders. For example, Harold Holzer of New York is the chairman. He is a well-known author and expert on Lincoln and the Civil War. Other board members include professors, former mayors, and media professionals. They all share a passion for Lincoln's legacy and work to promote his ideals.

How to Apply for Support

The Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation welcomes requests for support, sponsorship, and endorsement. They review these proposals at their regular meetings, which happen every three months.

Non-profit organizations and societies that are officially recognized are encouraged to ask the Foundation for help. The Foundation carefully considers all requests that fit with its mission to honor Lincoln's memory and ideals.