Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum celebrates Lincoln's birthday         

Festivities to include book discussions, performances, children's activities

[JAN. 27, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has announced events scheduled for Lincoln's birthday weekend celebration. The events are as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 10

9 a.m.- 4 p.m. -- Mrs. Lincoln's Attic at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum will host birthday party games and crafts in honor of Mr. Lincoln's birthday. The first 198 children to visit Mrs. Lincoln's Attic receive a chocolate penny, compliments of Pease's Candy in Springfield. Also, enter the "Guess the Penny" contest to win a free T-shirt. Admission to the museum required.

9:30-11:30 a.m. -- Musician Dale C. Evans with a 19th-century music performance, in the museum plaza

10 a.m.-3 p.m. -- Greg Bergschneider as President Lincoln, in the museum plaza

10 a.m. -- "Meet Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad," presented by Kathryn M. Harris, in the multipurpose room at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Free admission and open to the public.

11 a.m. -- Young Abe Lincoln look-alike contest for boys and girls ages infant to 18 years. The contest will be conducted in Union Theater, inside the museum. Contestants will be admitted to the museum free the day of the contest. Guests accompanying contestants may purchase tickets upon arrival. Registration is not required, however, contestants are asked to present themselves at Union Theater at 10:45 a.m. the morning of the contest. The judging categories are:

• Infants to 2 years

• Toddlers 3-5 years

• Children 6-12 years

• Juniors 13-18 years

All prizes are donated by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Store. The grand prize, a $75 gift certificate from the store, will be awarded to the best contestant overall. For more information about the contest, call 217-558-9016.

(Saturday, Feb. 10, schedule continued)

1 p.m. -- Panel discussion on Lincoln-related books, in the multipurpose room at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Free admission, with reservations recommended. For reservations, call 217-558-8881. The following authors have been invited to speak on the publications highlighted below. A book signing will commence after the panel discussion. Books will also be available for purchase.

• Brian R. Dirck, "Lincoln Emancipated: The President and the Politics of Race"

• Richard Lawrence Miller, "Lincoln and His World"

• Rodney O. Davis and Douglas Wilson, "Herndon's Lincoln"

• Douglas Wilson, "Lincoln's Sword"

• Mark E. Steiner, "An Honest Calling: The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln"

Sunday, Feb. 11

11:30 a.m.--3 p.m. -- Lee Slider as Professor Phineas Phairhead, in the museum plaza

Noon-3 p.m. -- Musician Mike Anderson with 19th-century music, in the museum plaza

Noon-3 p.m. -- Randall Duncan as President Lincoln, in the museum

7 p.m. -- "Evenings to Remember" with special guest Jon Meacham, hosted by Myron Marty, in the Union Theater of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. For reservations, call the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation at 217-558-8938 beginning Jan. 29. Admission is free.

(Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum news release)