Quincy representatives attend workshop to plan local Lincoln Bicentennial celebration

SPRINGFIELD - Representatives from Quincy have learned how to plan a birthday party for one of human history's most recognized individuals.

The Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Commission held an August 2 workshop in Springfield to encourage and assist Illinois communities in developing their unique commemorations of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. The workshop featured presentations including: Why We Should Celebrate Lincoln's Bicentennial; How to Maximize Your Bicentennial Planning; Lincoln in Illinois; and a panel discussion by Illinois communities with bicentennial plans and committees. Chuck Scholz, Kathy Anastas, Iris Nelson, Judy Taylor, Carmen Marshaus, David Costigan, and Judith Winkelman participated in the workshop as the representatives from Quincy.

"The State of Illinois has a tremendous opportunity to pay homage to our favorite son during 2008 and 2009," said Illinois Commission Chair Marilyn Kushak. "We are delighted Quincy is going to bring that celebration to a local level."

Quincy plans enhancements to its Lincoln-Douglas Debate site using grant funds awarded earlier this year by the Bicentennial Commission along with local public and private contributions. They are also planning a series of 18 "Looking for Lincoln" wayside exhibits, special events and educational programs, as well as a permanent interpretive center as part of the community's Bicentennial observance. The Illinois Commission's website, www.lincoln200.net, will feature information about local and state activities once those plans are in place.

The Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, formed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in February 2006, is working closely with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, tourism agencies and many other institutions and organizations to organize events and programming beginning in 2008. The commission is also partnering with local communities on their bicentennial plans. For more information, visit www.lincoln200.net.