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A Note from the Road on the Bicentennial
By Samuel P. Wheeler | February 12, 2009
Though I only have a minute to post, I couldn’t let the Bicentennial go by without offering an observation.
I’m in the middle of a speaking tour in New York; last night, I spoke at the Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls. The room was packed with members of the community, teachers, as well as dozens of high school students. What an attentive, enthusiastic crowd! The question and answer period after the talk was fascinating.
This morning I was at the South Glens Falls High School for an interactive lecture on Lincoln and Race; the high school students blew me away. At the Bicentennial, should we remember Lincoln as the ”Great Emancipator” or are his critics correct—is Lincoln a “Great Racist?” These students actively engaged the material, analyzed primary documents, and challenged historical intepretations. I couldn’t be happier with the way it went. The administration, faculty, and students at South Glens Falls High School should be proud.
In a few hours, 4 pm (Eastern), I will be at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. If you’re in the area, please stop by. The event is free and open to the public. I’ll try to post when I get back to my hotel this evening.
On a side note: I received an email from an editor at Time Magazine this morning. They put together a very moving tribute to Lincoln. The crew members, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, pay tribute to the sixteenth president on the Bicentennial by reciting the Gettysburg Address. It is very well done, give it a look:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1485842900/bctid11727585001
Topics: Bicentennial, Legacy, Upcoming Events | No Comments »