The U.S. Postal Service has a present for Abraham Lincoln fans this week. On his birthday Wednesday, a new stamp will be unveiled at the Old State Capitol depicting Lincoln.
It's part of events that will mark the 205th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
"Lincoln has appeared on many stamps. In 2009, the Postal Service also chose the Old State Capitol as a location to issue a series of stamps that included Lincoln at that time," Justin Blandford said. The Old State Capitol Site Superintendent said collectors who show up will be able to get the stamp a day earlier than when it goes on sale. A special envelope with Lincoln depicted will be available.
The stamp will show the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. But having the ceremony in Springfield is a boost.
On Feb. 11, the state historic site will host the Abraham Lincoln Association symposium's keynote speaker, Dr. Bruce Levine. Levine is a professor of history and African American studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His address is titled, “Fall of the House of Dixie: 1864 and the Beginning of the End.” The free event begins at 7 p.m.
As the Lincoln Symposium continues on Feb. 12, visitors can enjoy more history discussions. At 11 a.m., Dr. John F. Marszalek and Dr. Douglas L. Wilson will speak on the theme “Year of Decision: 1864.”
Marszalek is professor emeritus at Mississippi State University and managing editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. Wilson is professor emeritus and co-director of the Lincoln Studies Center at Knox College.
Both symposiums and the special ceremony are free and open to the public.
The Thomas Schwartz Luncheon and Lecture is Wednesday at the Presidential Library. There is a cost and reservations are required. www.abrahamlincolnassociation.org for details.
