Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
The mission of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (IALBC) is to educate residents of Indiana and the nation about Indiana's important role in the life of Abraham Lincoln. By providing, promoting, and creating relevant opportunities, the Commission will help individuals nationwide understand how his time spent in Indiana formulated his character, which in turn, led to his greatness. Commission members were appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2006.
Members
Projects
EducationThe Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission education committee has partnered with the Indiana Department of Education and other organizations to create opportunities designed to teach Hoosier youth about the state’s important role in Lincoln’s life.
- Grade-level appropriate books will be distributed in the fall of 2008 to all of Indiana’s public and private schools. Reading lists for all ages are available.
- Elementary/Primary: Abe Lincoln’s Hat
- Elementary/Intermediate: Abe Lincoln Remembers
- Middle School: A Photobiography
- High School: Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America
- Lesson plans have also been created to augment the planting of Lilac trees that will occur at Indiana schools in 2009.
- Three separate contests were developed for students. Winners were announced in early 2009 and will be honored at the February 12 Birthday Bash at the Indiana Statehouse.
The Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission legacy committee is working to ensure that the Indiana’s Lincoln legacy continues beyond the official celebration and impacts future generations in a meaningful way.
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is cultivating Abraham Lincoln Lilac Tree seedlings that will be planted at Indiana schools in spring of 2009 in honor of Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
- The Studebaker Museum in South Bend is restoring the 1865 carriage that President Lincoln rode in on the night he was assassinated.
- An original jazz piece is being composed by Dr. David Baker of Indiana University’s School of Music to commemorate the Lincoln bicentennial and Lincoln’s time in Indiana.
- Four Lincoln-related historical markers, in partnership with the Indiana Historical Bureau Historic Markers Program, are being constructed for display around the state, they are:
- A public art piece to commemorate the Lincoln Bicentennial will be placed in Lincoln State Park. The Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Historical Bureau are helping the IALBC coordinate this project [press release].
The Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission marketing committee has partnered with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Historical Society, the Spencer County Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Lincoln Museum to promote the bicentennial, Indiana’s Lincoln sites and Indiana’s significant connection to Abraham Lincoln.
- This website was produced through a partnership with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.
- Advertising to promote Indiana’s Lincoln is being placed in several publications including the Indiana Travel Guide, AAA Home & Away and Midwest Living.
- A comprehensive public relations campaign will be implemented throughout the celebration.
- The Indiana’s Lincoln brochure is being reprinted and distributed throughout Indiana and can be requested by individuals on VisitIndiana.
Other projects and partnerships help ensure that Indiana properly celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial and honors the state’s important role in shaping his life.
- New “Lincoln’s Boyhood Home” signs are now attached to all “Welcome to Indiana” signs at major entry points to the state. These were dedicated by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2007.
- A Lincoln-themed license plate option will be available to Indiana motorists at no additional charge beginning in 2008.
Upcoming meetings
The IALBC meets on a regular basis. Meetings are open to the public.
- Next meeting TBA
