Kentucky Historical Society
Attend Three KHS Events in February to Commemorate the Lincoln Bicentennial

Frankfort, KY (February 2, 2009)—Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday is rapidly approaching, and the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), administrator of the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, has developed a trio of events in Frankfort designed to assist audiences of all ages in commemorating this historic event. 

KHS will kick off its February events on February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s 200th birthday, with free admission to Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln, the commonwealth’s signature bicentennial exhibition, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.  The exhibition, which will travel to two additional Kentucky venues in 2009-2010, illuminates Lincoln’s connections with Kentucky, the perspective his Kentucky friends and acquaintances provided his life and actions, and the inspiration his legacy continues to contribute to American ideals

KHS will continue the celebration on February 14 with Family Fun Day, an event held in cooperation with Kentucky Educational Television (KET).  Join Clifford the Big Red Dog and participate in activities that reflect the Lincoln era, including hands-on games and other children’s programming, and dancing with the Berea Festival Dancers. Chat with Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln presenters and enjoy Beyond the Log Cabin and A Kentucky Journey, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History’s permanent exhibition.

Events at the KHS history campus will culminate on February 16, 2009 when noted historian and author Michael Burlingame visits the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Burlingame, who has edited or authored twelve books investigating the life and times of Lincoln, will come to Frankfort as a second stop on his book tour for his most recent work, Abraham Lincoln: A Life. As Doris Kearns Goodwin has noted, “Lincoln scholars have waited anxiously for this book for decades. Its triumphant publication proves it well worth the wait. No one in recent history has uncovered more fresh sources than Michael Burlingame.”

To find out more about these events and to explore resources and information provided by the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, visit www.kylincoln.org/february.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, a national commemoration, began in February 2008 and closes on February 12, 2010. Communities, historic sites, libraries, and schools across the Commonwealth have planned events and activities for the commemorative period.

Established by executive order in 2004 and administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is charged with organizing and coordinating the state’s Bicentennial activities.