Embargoed for release: February 12, 2007

Additional Information:
Chief Justice Williams: (401)222-8661
Susan Stenhouse: ( 401) 222-2389


RHODE ISLAND ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION TO COMMEMORATE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LINCOLN

PROVIDENCE, RI – FEBRUARY 12, 2007 -- Rhode Island Chief Justice Frank J. Williams today announced the formation of the Rhode Island Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, an organization created to recommend and initiate programs to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 2009. The Commission is in the planning stages of numerous initiatives leading up to the Bicentennial year. Information about the Commission and events as they are established will be available on the Commission's website.

"Abraham Lincoln's contributions to this state and this nation transcend the times in which he lived,” said Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Frank J. Williams, a noted Lincoln Scholar and Chair of the Rhode Island Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. "Lessons from his life as person, as well as a president, provide invaluable perspectives for the challenging times in which we live.”

"We on the Commission, with the help of our fellow Rhode Islanders, are looking forward with great enthusiasm to sharing and celebrating the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln,” said Susan Stenhouse, Commission Vice-Chair. "We encourage everyone to visit our website often, to follow our efforts closely and, most important of all, to share with us ideas about how this important national event should be celebrated.”

Rhode Island's Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was established by an act of the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2004. Composed of 21 members, the commission is associated with the Rhode Island Historical Society, Brown University and Roger Williams University. One of its missions is to educate Rhode Island citizens about the life of Abraham Lincoln and his visit to the State of Rhode Island; assist local governments and organizations with planning, preparation and grant applications for bicentennial events and projects; coordinate federal, state and local bicentennial activities; and plan and implement appropriate events, including celebrations and educational initiatives to commemorate the bicentennial.

The Rhode Island Lincoln Bicentennial Commission will work in concert with the national Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which seeks to commemorate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln by emphasizing the contribution of his thoughts, his vision for America and the world, as well as serve as a catalyst for strengthening freedom, democracy and equal opportunity for all.