Lincoln Presidential Foundation

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation has launched a new, multi-site project for the U.S. 250th anniversary that explores topics related to Abraham Lincoln’s view of the American Founding, his understanding of each generation’s responsibility to maintain and advance our system of self-governance, and his impact on what is often referred to as the Second Founding. This project has two major goals: first, to create new resources and partnerships with and for NPS units for the public benefit ahead of a major national commemoration, and second, to build a network of sites for collective impact now and into the future.

This project brings together a working group of Lincoln and American history scholars, public history practitioners, and stakeholders to advise the development of an interpretive plan framework. The framework will inform the design and production of multiple interpretive projects with and for collaborating park units, potentially including professional development opportunities, traveling exhibits, documentary shorts, adult programming, and student and youth programming. These offerings will be part of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 at historic sites and museums that share the story of America’s 16th President.

Over 35 individuals are engaged in the project, including representatives from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, the Library of Congress, Idaho State Historical Society, Indiana Historical Society, Kentucky Historical Society, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket. The Foundation has also recruited over a dozen experts, including but not limited to: Dr. Saladin Ambar, Rutgers University; Dr. John Low, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and Ohio State University; Dr. Kate Masur, Northwestern University; Dr. Edna Greene Medford, Howard University; Dr. Lucas Morel, W&L University; Dr. Manisha Sinha, University of Connecticut; and Professor Adam Smith, University of Oxford in the UK. The Foundation has engaged Glass Pathways, also based in Illinois, to help facilitate the interpretive planning process.

Emerging themes emphasize the need for a fuller accounting of history, one that tackles mythology, race, and the fascinating complexity of Lincoln’s life and legacy. There is also a strong desire for an exploration of Lincoln’s interpretation of the Declaration of Independence, his commitment to natural rights, and his articulation and acceleration of the meaning of the Founding that echoed throughout the world in the succeeding centuries. This project is fortunate to have the engagement of WASO and Regional staff, including but not limited to Frank Barrows, Senior Advisor for Commemorations and Anniversaries, ensuring alignment with NPS 250th priorities. The Foundation is also engaged with the American Association for State and Local History, which has issued a U.S. 250th Program Guide published in recent weeks, in addition to its U.S. 250th Field Guide published several years ago. Early discussions have also pointed to a strong interest in professional development opportunities at participating sites and museums.

This project is made possible thanks to a grant from the National Park Foundation and contributions from other generous private foundations and individual donors.