Lincoln 200 Years Later
Give a "Lincoln for Lincoln" to help preserve 16th President's history
First lady Laura Bush, right, watches children listen to Donna Starcher, far left, a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, Tuesday, November 18, 2008, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The other volunteer in the middle is Dr. Judy Pierce. (Photo: ©Patti Longmire/AP Images)
Would you give one penny to help preserve America's history? You can do that with the "Give a Lincoln for Lincoln" campaign that kicked off in Kentucky on Tuesday. First Lady Laura Bush helped with ceremonies at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site, in Hodgenville, hosted by both the National Park Foundation (NPF) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP).
The goal is to raise $200,000 in the upcoming year. That's $1,000 for every year since Lincoln's birth 200 years ago this coming February. Through the donation of Lincoln-head coins and bills, six historic Lincoln sites in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C., will be preserved for future generations.
"It is important for all Americans to keep Abraham Lincoln's memory alive," William Reynolds of the National Park Service told Scholastic News. "All of the sites have different stories to tell about different parts of his life."
Junior Rangers from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Hodgenville joined with Mrs. Bush in the kickoff celebration. Students at the school have already started collecting coins for the campaign. They showed Mrs. Bush their log cabin and top-hat-shaped collection containers.
Led by re-enactors dressed as many were in the 1800s, Mrs. Bush took part in rail-splitting and thread-spinning demonstrations, toured the Historical Site, and spoke about Lincoln's place in our nation's history. She told Scholastic News about the importance of preserving Lincoln's historical sites.
"As we look back on the importance of Abraham Lincoln," Mrs. Bush said. "We should all remember that he was not only an abolitionist who opposed slavery, but he was someone who truly wanted to unite our country."
Students and teachers can learn more about how they can participate in "Give a Lincoln for Lincoln" at www.history.com/lincoln.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Read today’s story and answer the following question.
 | Lincoln was the 16th U.S. President, and one of the most popular in history. Only the popularity of our first President, George Washington, seems to rival that of Lincoln. Who is your favorite President, and why? Tell us what you think on the Scholastic News Online Blog! | |
- Teacher Store
-
La historia de la Casa Blanca
The Teacher Store 
La historia de la Casa Blanca
by Kate WatersHere is an engaging tour of one of the world's most famous houses. Portraits of former Presidents and First Ladies, fun facts, and highlights of holiday celebrations make this an unforgettable visit to this national landmark.
$5.99
Paperback Book | Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5 $5.99
- Teacher Store
-
Calvin Coolidge
The Teacher Store 
Calvin Coolidge
by R. Conrad SteinSET FEATURES:
- Primary source materials
- Archival reproductions
- Fast-fact boxes
- Summary of key events in the lives of the president and the first lady
- Timeline linking the president to the nation
- Online sites of interest
- "Further Reading" section
- &nbs
$23.80 You save: 30%
Library Binding | Grades 6-8
Grades 6-8 $23.80
LESSON PLAN
UNIT PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
