Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 2009
 
Lincoln Milestones
On June 16, 1858, Lincoln is nominated by the Republican Party of Illinois to oppose Senator Douglas, who has announced his campaign for reelection. At the Republican State Convention, Lincoln begins his campaign with the declaration: "'A house divided against itself can not stand.' I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free."

Message from the Chair


What makes a president great?  In scholarly rankings of presidents going back fifty years, one man, more than any other, has been rated first again and again: Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, savior of the Union, winner of the Civil War.  More than 140 years after his death, the most celebrated man ever to occupy the White House certainly doesn't want for adulation, yet all of us cannot resist reexamining his legacy.

This website has been created to enhance our understanding of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln as we approach his 200th birthday on February 12, 2009.  Members of the Commission and I hope that you will find this website helpful and informative.  From time to time, we will post Lincoln and Civil War related activities in which you can join and participate as well as published links to other Lincoln-related websites.  There is also a spot for you to make queries and comments about America's greatest president and statesman.

We hope you find this website and the programs that we sponsor and initiate to not only broaden your understanding of the man called Lincoln but our role as citizens as well.

Yours sincerely,

 

Frank J. Williams
Chair
Rhode Island Abraham Lincoln
Bicentennial Commission