By David J. Kent
Washington D.C.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
On February 12, 2021, Abraham Lincoln's birthday, a new birth of freedom arose from the hallowed halls of the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS). That was the day of the Grand Opening of the new Center for Lincoln Studies.
Acting Director Anne Moseley led the celebration, complete with a ribbon cutting alongside UIS Chancellor Karen Whitney. Most of the ceremony was virtual given the ongoing pandemic, but the two were joined by distinguished UIS Professors Michael Burlingame and Graham Peck. The mission of the new Center is to provide:
"activities related to the study of Lincoln, Springfield, the state of Illinois, and the nation. Through education, research, and outreach, the Center provides students, faculty, scholars, and the public with opportunities to understand the life and times of the 16th President and his impact on the modern period."
Following introductory remarks, Burlingame and Peck were joined in a panel discussion moderated by Moseley and including:
Christian McWhirter, Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Historian
Timothy Good, Lincoln Home National Historic Site Superintendent
Sarah Watson, Looking for Lincoln and Lincoln National Heritage Area executive director
Justin Blandford, Illinois Department of Natural Resources superintendent
The entire grand opening ceremony can be viewed here. More information on the program can be found here.