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Most of my portrayals of President Lincoln have been at
schools, where the emphasis is on history, or at churches and other Christian
organizations, where the history is mixed with Mr. Lincoln's religious beliefs
and experiences.
But like any good politician, Abe likes to get out and
"press the flesh" in other places and at other kinds of events, too: parades,
camps, nursing homes, conventions, youth programs, civic and cultural events,
etc.
Check out my full list of appearances, as best I can
remember.
School Programs
I count it a great privilege to bring President Abraham
Lincoln to "life" for schoolchildren of all ages.
A visit from Mr. Lincoln will, first and foremost, teach
students about the history of our nation, from our establishment
in 1776 through the end of the Civil War in 1865. This was a
remarkable time of new ideas, tremendous change, and exciting
growth in our young country. Yet at the same time, this period
was also marked by great conflict and an uncertainty about our
future as a people and a nation.
In addition to providing a firsthand account of his own life
and times, Mr. Lincoln's visit will also do much
more:
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As one who rose from obscurity to the highest office in
the land, Mr. Lincoln is an inspiration to us today to
likewise dream, and to work hard to achieve those dreams.
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As one who persevered in self-study to become a
well-educated man, Mr. Lincoln embodies for us the high
value of education and a great passion for learning.
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As the leader of our nation during our greatest crisis,
Mr. Lincoln challenges us to contemplate and to cherish
the ideals for which our country stands: liberty and
freedom, democracy, equality, and opportunity.
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And as one who was known for his honesty, humility, and
compassion, Mr. Lincoln provides an enduring example of
the importance of a strong moral foundation and positive
character development.
Mr. Lincoln is available to speak in either assembly or
classroom settings. All presentations are age-appropriate. Suggested occasions for a visit include:
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Special assemblies for the whole school or a particular
age group.
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History and social studies classes, especially when the
topic of study is the American Civil War or the
development of the United States from 1800 to 1865.
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National holidays such as:
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Veterans Day (November)
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Thanksgiving Day (November)
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Presidents' Day (February)
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Memorial Day (May)
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Independence Day (July).
Fees:
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For a visit up to two hours in length, consisting of one
or more assemblies and/or classroom visits: $200
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Each additional hour: $50/hour
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Reduced fees are available to schools or organizations
with limited financial resources.
Read testimonials:
Ridley Middle School /
Woodlyn
Christian School / Road
Runners homeschoolers.
References available upon request.
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Church Programs
The story of Abraham Lincoln has special relevance to
America's Christian community.
Although raised in a Bible-believing, Christian home, Abe
Lincoln was an admitted skeptic of the Christian faith as a young
man. Yet he was also a sincere seeker of the truth. Then, at age
41, Mr. Lincoln was faced with a personal tragedy, one of many in
his life. Eddie, the Lincolns second son, died shortly
before his fourth birthday.
At this time of loss, a minister challenged Mr. Lincoln to
carefully study the Scriptures. Upon doing so, the man known as
"Honest Abe" became convinced of the truth of
Christianity:
"It seems to me that nothing short of infinite
wisdom could by any possibility have devised and given to men this excellent
and perfect moral code. It is suited to men in all conditions of life,
and inculcates all the desire they owe to their Creator, to themselves, and
to their fellow man."
Later, Abraham Lincoln served as President of the United
States of America during our greatest national crisis, the Civil
War. During those extraordinarily difficult years, he continually
sought the guidance and assistance of God. He condemned American
slavery for the moral evil which it was and sought to bring it to
an end. And he beseeched the Nation and her people to confess
their sins, to submit themselves to God, and to call on Him for
deliverance:
"It is fit and becoming in all people, at all
times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in
humble submission to his chastisement; to confess and deplore their sins and
transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom; and to pray, with all fervency and contrition for the
pardon of their past offenses, and for a blessing upon their present and
prospective action..." (Proclamation of
a Day of Public Humiliation, Prayer, and Fasting; August 1861)
Mr. Lincoln also encouraged his own friends to embrace the
Christian faith:
"I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible.
Take all of this Book on reason that you can, and the balance on faith, and
you will live and die a happier man."
(personal letter to Joshua Speed, a lifelong friend)
Mr. Lincoln is available to speak to
your church, Christian school, or other gathering to share his
story. You will hear a personal account of the momentous events
of his own life and of a crucial time in Americas history. As you listen, you will be challenged to move from skepticism to
faith, to trust wholly in God, and to pray for our Nation and her
leaders.
Suggested occasions for a Lincoln visit include:
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church anniversaries
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other special church events
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prayer events
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leadership events
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Presidents' Day (February)
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National Day of Prayer (May)
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Memorial Day (May)
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Independence Day (July)
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Veterans Day (November)
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Thanksgiving Day (November)
Fees:
Read a testimonial:
Berks Christian
School.
References available upon request.
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