As we look forward to a new year, we approach a momentous occasion that asks us to look back at the history and accomplishments of Illinois' favorite son.  February 12th, 2009 will mark Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and, all across our state, commemorations and celebrations will be held throughout this Bicentennial year.

 
The Illinois Bureau of Tourism got a head start on the festivities by introducing the Presidential Trails 3-Day Getaways featuring destinations relating not only to Lincoln, but to the other presidents hailing from Illinois: Grant, Reagan and now, President-Elect Obama.  

While Lincoln bicentennial celebrations will be taking place statewide, the centerpiece will be in Springfield, Lincoln's home for 30 years. It was in Springfield that Lincoln raised his family and honed the political skills that led him to the White House.  When he left for Washington, he said of his Illinois home, "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything."  

Highlights of the events being held in our state capitol include a re-enactment of Lincoln's farewell address at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center, a free bicentennial period ball at the Abraham Lincoln Museum, entertaining and scholarly programs at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and a Springfield Theater Centre Performance of "Our American Cousin," the play Lincoln was watching when he was assassinated at Washington's Ford Theater.  

In the 42 counties of the recently designated Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area and beyond, there are no shortages of bicentennial events.  You can find an extensive Lincoln collection at the Chicago History Museum.  Lincoln's birthday will be celebrated at Lerna's Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Vermilion County Museum and Fithian Home.  Later this spring, New Salem will host a re-enactment of Lincoln's march to war in 1832.  

These events only scratch the surface, and I invite all of our industry partners to take part in this year of festivities celebrating the legacy of our great president.  

Of course, it's only appropriate that my reading recommendation also be Lincoln-related.  You may have heard about Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals in the news lately, as President-Elect Obama has embraced it as a model for his administration. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln offers an inside look at Lincoln's cabinet and how his appointment of former political opponents to key positions helped him establish an effective governing coalition by surrounding himself with the best and the brightest.  Goodwin's book is a great read on both Lincoln's administration and the art of leadership. 

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Governor's Conference Registration is Now Live
This year's conference will be in Chicago, March 4-6, 2009 at The Fairmont Chicago and hosts a variety of captivating speakers that are sure to teach audiences about new innovations in travel technology, sales and marketing.  Early Bird Registration for the Governor's Conference is now online.

Celebrating Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln has been a source of great inspiration for many, including our very own president-elect. As we approach the 200th birthday of one of our nation's greatest leaders, there is no time like the present to follow in his footsteps.

Take a walk through Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site, where he spent many of his formative years and launched his career in politics (open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Stroll the halls of the Old State Capitollike Lincoln did as he tried cases before the Illinois Supreme Court, delivered his famous "House Divided" speech, and began his campaign for the United States Senate (open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Or even visit Lincoln's Home, the only house our 16th president ever owned, where he lived for 17 years before leading a nation on the verge of Civil War (open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has a full list of sites across the state. Please note, hours are subject to change and additional hours will be added in February.

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Springfield is gearing up for celebration activities during the week of February 12, 2009. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (IALBC), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), Springfield CVB and IBOT are teaming up to bring national attention to this important celebration.

Below are a few highlights of the many activities in February that commemorate Abraham Lincoln.

• Saturday, February 7 - Lincoln Home "Open House"
  The public is invited to learn about and review recent restoration and interpretative projects at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, including learning about the conservation of an 1860 Lincoln campaign banner; a special showing of the site's new film about Lincoln in Springfield; and a guided tour of the Lincoln neighborhood and exhibits.
  
  
• Monday, February 9 - First Issuance of the Lincoln Bicentennial Postage Stamp Ceremony
  Ceremony for the official first day of sale of the new Lincoln stamps with invited speakers, including Senator Dick Durbin, the U.S. Postmaster General and others. Purchase stamps and collectible items at the Old State Capitol.
  
  
• Monday, February 9 - Lincoln in Post-It Notes
  Chris Killham will create what is surely the most unusual and whimsical bicentennial exhibition.  Using thousands of colored Post-it Notes, Mr. Killham will work with local volunteers to build larger-than-life portraits of President Lincoln on the windows at the bridge that spans Jefferson Street.
  
  
• Wednesday, February 11 - Lincoln's Farewell Address
  Visitors will be taken back in time to this very day in 1861 when Lincoln left Springfield for Washington, D.C.
  
  
• Thursday, February 12 - Statewide Reading of The Gettysburg Address
  Statewide reading of the Gettysburg Address with Illinois grade school students participating in the simultaneously read speech. 9:30 a.m. Location to be announced.
  
  
• Thursday, February 12 - Wreath Laying at Lincoln Tomb
  75th Diamond Anniversary National American Legion Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery; 10:00 a.m.
  

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