New teaching guide for Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial

[December 08, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- A new publication from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency gives valuable guidance for teachers as they prepare lessons and activities for the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 2009.

The newest volume of Illinois History Teacher contains historical narratives, curriculum materials, teaching suggestions, ready-to-copy handouts, additional reading suggestions and activities for bringing Lincoln to life in the classroom. Illinois History Teacher is available at www.illinois-history.gov, or hard copies can be obtained by writing to: Illinois History Teacher, c/o Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701.

Sections in Illinois History Teacher cover much of Lincoln's life: Lincoln's Formative Years at New Salem; Abraham Lincoln in the 1850s; Lincoln's Secretaries, 1862; Lincoln at Gettysburg; and Lincoln Laughing. Contributors are teaching experts Sarah Drake Brown, Andrew Hartman, Richard L. Hughes, Lynn R. Nelson and Monica Cousins Noraian, and leading Lincoln scholars Matthew Pinsker, Barry Schwartz, Jennifer L. Weber, Kenneth J. Winkle and Paul M. Zall. The publication is compiled and edited by the educational services staff of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

"We are excited to showcase the work of top Lincoln historians and curriculum specialists who are so important in the education process," said Jan Grimes, agency director. "This issue, like Lincoln himself, will be of interest to teachers and students for many years to come."

For more information on special events planned throughout Illinois to observe Lincoln's 200th birthday, visit the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission online at www.lincoln200.net.

[Text from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]