Governor Blagojevich announces launch of Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Web site

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission has launched a website to promote activities and events leading to the 200^th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.  The Web site, www.lincoln200.net, provides an online resource to build enthusiasm and support for the February 2009 observance in Illinois.

 

"This new Web site is a great resource that reminds us why our 16^th President is one of world history's most revered figures, and what we are doing to celebrate his Bicentennial in the Land of Lincoln.  I encourage everybody to visit this Web site as well as the many state-operated historic sites and memorials, to fully appreciate what Lincoln's legacy means to us today," said Gov. Blagojevich.

 

The Web site will feature planned events in Illinois leading up to the Bicentennial and will be continually updated as new events are scheduled.  Illinois' world-renowned Lincoln historic sites and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are highlighted.  The Web site introduces the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission members and their mission, and has links to the federal, Kentucky and Indiana bicentennial commissions to keep visitors informed about what's going on outside the State of Illinois.  Lincoln200.net also includes a wealth of information about the 16^th President's life and times with links to numerous research and history organizations.

 

"The Commission is very excited to launch the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Web site.  This site will be used as a tool to distribute information on local and statewide bicentennial events and planning," said Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Coordinator Kay Smith.  "We look forward to furnishing the site with interesting and informative details to promote the best possible ways to honor Lincoln and the 200^th anniversary of his birth."

 

Gov. Blagojevich established the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in February 2006 to promote a deeper knowledge, understanding and engagement in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln through conferences, publications, preservation of Lincoln sites, and observances commemorating Lincoln's 200^th birthday.  The Commission is working closely with local, state and national government agencies and organizations to coordinate events leading up to the Bicentennial observance.  The Commission operates with support from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.   

 

The Commission encourages people to visit their local libraries and historical societies, and the links on the new Web site, to learn about Abraham Lincoln and his legacy.  They also recommend that people visit the tremendous array of state-operated historic sites and memorials in Illinois with ties to Abraham Lincoln.