FRANKFORT, Ky. –-- On February 12, 2007, Governor Ernie Fletcher will be on hand to observe Lincoln's 198th birthday at the state capitol rotunda in Frankfort. This event will feature Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission grant recipients, exciting announcements about the Lincoln Bicentennial initiative, and booth displays featuring Kentucky’s signature Abraham Lincoln sites.
“Kentucky’s bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birth will be an international event,” said Governor Fletcher. “Monday’s celebration of Lincoln’s 198th birthday is a way for Kentuckians to start building the excitement, learn about our plans and honor those who are already working on the project.”
“Come help us rekindle the timely and timeless message of Lincoln: ‘With malice toward none, with charity for all,’” said Sen. Dan Kelly (R-Springfield), who serves as co-chair of the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
At 1 p.m., ceremonies will commence in the rotunda below and will feature Governor Fletcher, Senator Kelly and civic and community leaders who will provide updates on the Lincoln Bicentennial initiatives around the commonwealth. In addition, Lincoln Bicentennial grant recipients from around the state will be recognized, and the public will learn more about how to get involved in the Lincoln Bicentennial festivities.
From 1-3 p.m., visitors can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cake, and lively discussion at the Lincoln site booths the second-floor mezzanine above the rotunda in the capitol building.
“As a member of the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, I’d like to invite citizens and legislators to join us in the capital rotunda to celebrate Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln legacy,” said Rep. Jimmie Lee (D-Elizabethtown).
“We are pleased to offer this opportunity for Kentuckians to become acquainted with how we are preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, beginning on February 12, 2008 in Hodgenville and continuing with educational initiatives, exhibits and other engaging programs through 2009,” said Kent Whitworth, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, which administers the work of the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
This event is open to the public. Student groups are encouraged to attend. The Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is administered through the Kentucky Historical Society.
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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the thirty-million-dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web site at www.history.ky.gov.