MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the creation of the Wisconsin Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The Commission will coordinate Wisconsin’s planning efforts to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in February 2009.
“Abraham Lincoln embodies the American spirit of fairness and equality for all citizens,” Governor Doyle said. “As we approach the 200th birthday of one of our nation’s greatest Presidents, this Commission will explore Lincoln’s involvement in Wisconsin and celebrate in a way fitting his legacy.”
The Commission brings together a diverse group of representatives from Lincoln groups, government, education, historical societies, private business, and civil war organizations to educate Wisconsin residents and honor Abraham Lincoln in the celebration of the bicentennial of his birth.
The Commission will be chaired by John Skilton of the HellerEhrman Law Firm in Madison. Other members of the Wisconsin Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission include:
· Clayborn Benson, Wisconsin Black Historical Society
· Ellsworth Brown, Wisconsin Historical Society
· Elizabeth Burmaster, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
· Ralph Cagle, University of Wisconsin Law School
· John Milton Cooper, UW-Madison, Department of History
· Valeria Davis, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
· Robert Drane, Civil War Photography Collector
· Dave Eicher, Civil War Roundtable of Milwaukee
· Carl Gulbrandsen, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
· Michael Grebe, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
· David Hecker, Public Member
· James Lawrence Hoyt, 1st Brigade Band of Wisconsin
· Stephen Kantrowitz, UW-Madison, Department of History
· Abigail Markwyn, Carroll College, Department of History
· James Marten, Marquette University, Department of History
· Maurice Montgomery, Rock County Historical Society
· Michael Moran, Marathon County Civil War Roundtable
· Daniel Nettesheim, Civil War Roundtable of Milwaukee
· Jerald Podair, Lawrence University, Department of History
· Joseph Ranney, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Marquette University Law School
· Steven Rogstad, Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin
· David Simmons, Wade House Historic Site
· Peter Skelly, Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin
· George Steil, Sr., Brennan, Steil & Basting
· Paula Touhey, Kenosha Public Museums
· Judge Maxine Aldridge White, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge
· Kathleen Woit, Madison Community Foundation
The Wisconsin Commission will work with the National Commission and will identify and focus on particular connections that Abraham Lincoln had with the State of Wisconsin and its institutions.
The United States Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was established by Congress to commemorate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, emphasize the contribution of his thoughts, ideals to America and the world, and serve as a catalyst for strengthening freedom, democracy, and equal opportunity for all. More information about the national commission can be found at http://www.lincolnbicentennial.gov.
Read the Governor’s Executive Order creating the Wisconsin Lincoln Bicentennial Commission at http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=3282.
