Thursday, February 19, 2009

Abe In The 21st Century


Of the various projects I've heard about being created to honor Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday, one of the more innovative and unusual is from Philadelphia's Rosenbach Museum and Library. Titled "21st Century Abe", the project is yet another attempt to answer the age-old questions as to why we continue to be fascinated by this man and why he continues to influence America today?

"21st Century Abe" consists primarily of an interactive website which features rare Lincoln documents; analysis by famed Lincoln scholar Douglas Wilson; and art (both visual and musical). But the most unusual feature of this website is that it permits users to share videos, essays, other websites, etc. as they pertain to Lincoln. The website permits users to submit their "Lincoln findings" to the site, so others can experience things about Lincoln which otherwise might be missed. For example, I've seen a video featuring former presidential candidate Ron Paul discussing Lincoln; a link to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum; images of Lincoln artwork; and even a video of the "Your Dreams Miss You" commercial featuring Abe pitching a sleep-aid drug. Quite a hodgepodge of Lincoln stuff.

The project has earned the endorsement of the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission as well as the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Check it out. It's engaging, interesting, informative, and entertaining. Submit your own Abe finding!

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