Lincoln Seminar: 2008-2009

The Grand Finale to a Wonderful Year!

2009-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

As the year comes to a close, we have sent out many thank-you cards and letters to all who have helped us throughout the school year. We have made three video interviews with each of us talking about some of the different activities we have done such as our field trips, guest speakers, and our giving back projects.

As we wind down, the majority of the class has graduated, leaving all but three of the students behind. Our class has learned so many great things about America's greatest president. Not only have we learned about Abe, but we have also learned a lot about ourselves. Our Lincoln Seminar has completed many great activities and we hope to be remembered--we would like to thank all who have helped.

The Seniors Last Hoo-rah

2009-05-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 20Th. 11:45 am. A day that will live in all of our hearts, as we say goodbye to 13 seniors. It was not a sad day, although some did get a little emotional. The day was spent eating food which varied from corn bread, green bean casserole (two different varieties), and a sweet potato pie made by our very own Mr. Busse.

During the dinner, we finished watching the movie Glory, the Civil War film highlighting the immense prejudices and heroic story of the 54Th Massachusetts regiment, the first all African American regiment commanded by white officers. Mr.Busse told us this movie is often called the most historically accurate film about the Civil War. Though we never got to finish the movie, we had a great last day filled with great food, great flicks, and great friends.

Indepth Review

2009-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

This year is heading for its final frontier for the students and teachers in the Lincoln Seminar, but as we have all realized, it is not over yet and to make this clear, the class reviewed trends, politicians, and the many important characters of the 1860's.

One big topic of the day that was mentioned was the Unionist Party and those who were active within this short-lived political party. Also, people listed battles with such forces in our history that we should be ashamed if we were to leave them out. Gettysburg is one of these turning point battles and to accompany that, we featured President Lincoln's great Gettysburg Address

In the end, the class came together to express their opinions on the topics that were noted.

Lincoln Re-elected!

2009-05-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

This past week, the Lincoln Seminar class made campaign posters, carriage bumper stickers, and banners for either Lincoln or McClellan. In the picture, Diego is hard at work on his patriotic campaign poster for Lincoln. Mr. Busse explained that the 1864 election was the only one ever to be held in a time of war.

In other news, we are wrapping up Abraham Lincoln's life by discussing the assassination. Conspiracy theories have been a hot topic for class.

Galesburg High School Lincoln Seminar students share with Carl Sandburg College students

2009-04-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Active in the education of elementary schools, the Lincoln Seminar reaches out to a higher level of education. The students were asked if it was possible to present our projects to a Adult Education class at Carl Sandburg College. Diego, Brandon, and Taylor stepped up to the offer and succeded in sharing the class's knowledge of Abraham Lincoln.

Diego has a special liking of the Underground Railroad and chose this topic to talk to the students about. He provided information and pictures about it from our own town's perspective. With his immense study of the Emancipation Proclamation, Brandon shared with the class his intuitive knowledge of the document. Taylor explained to the students about the Civil War from the Southern perspective. Each topic was well presented and well received by the students and staff at Carl Sandburg.

These three class members have not only been to Carl Sandburg College but have also visited Churchill Junior High School.

Dispersing our Lincoln Knowledge

2009-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

WATCH OUT, Galesburg Public Schools! We are hitting your local classrooms this spring with nothing but Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln. This week our "Lincoln Scholars" visited classrooms at Costa, Nielson, and Carl Sandburg, dispersing the seeds of Abe knowledge.

Amelia and Lily visited second graders with hopes of deepening the understanding of the Civil War. They were shocked by the intelligent questions of the students.

Olivia, Jessie, and Travis shared their Seussified biography of Mr. Lincoln with a group of attentive first graders at Costa.

Diego, Taylor, and Brandon went to Carl Sandburg College, bringing along facts about the Underground Railroad, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Southern perspective on the Civil War.

Don't fret, students. Our tour of District 205 is far from over. Watch out for a presentation near you!

ACTION!!!

2009-04-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

This week was incredibly busy as we listened to speakers and went to see the play Our American Cousin. We started off the week with a speaker, our own Judge Harry Bulkeley. He gave many insights about General Ulysses S. Grant. We learned that General Grant was the most revered man in the 19th century, but the public later created many misconceptions.

As we prepared to see Our American Cousin, Dr. William Wallace, the director of the play, came and spoke about Monmouth College's interpretation of this play. We learned that they were making the play authentic and emphasizing the assassination in the third act.

We were welcomed into the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg to see an excerpt of this play on Frday April 3. After the excerpt, we were given the chance to ask questions allowing us to gain more insight of the history behind the play and characters.

Prof. Wilson and Prof. Davis

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

This week in Lincoln Seminar, nationally known Lincoln historians, Prof. Wilson and Prof. Davis of Knox College, luckily joined us. These two enlightened men gave us insights on President Lincoln's life and tribulations throughout his life from growing up in Kentucky to life in the White House.

We were allowed asked them questions that we made up ourselves. One of the most interesting questions was how Lincoln's life would've changed if he were fully educated in school instead of self-educated. Prof. Wilson told us that if Lincoln was formally educated, his speeches and writing might have been a lot more "flowery.”

The Lincoln Seminar Goes with the Wind

2009-03-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Scarlett saga came to an end on Friday, March 20th, with the Lincoln Seminar class in a state of amazement at the Academy Award winning movie. With the knowledge that the class has gained by observing the conflicts of the Civil War, the students were acquainted with the dramatic events of the movie, Gone With the Wind.

One of the most memorable scenes was when Scarlett returns to Tara and is faced with the challenge of survival. This event brought the class to a realization of how damaged the South was from all the battles that had taken place during the war. The scene also emphasizes how women lead their families and households through the harsh times.

Gettysburg Historian

2009-03-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

This week our class was joined by history Professor Matthew Norman from Gettysburg College. He answered some of our questions as well as told us of events we had no idea that had even occurred. For example, Gettysburg College, previously known as Pennsylvania College, was actually part of the battleground. The right most flank of the Confederate army was placed right in the middle of the college grounds. Some fighting actually occurred there in addition to having a hospital stationed in Pennsylvania Hall aiding both Union and Confederate troops.

We orginally came into contact with Professor Norman when one of our students, Brondon Davis, emailed Professor Norman inquiring about the happenings durring the Battle of Gettysburg. We were very surprised to find out that Professor Norman was a graduate of Knox College and lives part of the year at his home here in Galesburg.

Lincoln Scholars Take on Rotary

2009-03-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, March 4th, our entire class took a trip to the Best Value Inn to dine with the members of the Rotary Club. The students were scattered among the members to talk to them about our class and answers any questions they may have had.

Three fellow classmates also did a SmartBoard presentation to further educate the Rotary on what we have accomplished. We all enjoyed our time with the group and greatly appreciated the Rotary opening their doors to us.

Tourist Officials Visit

2009-03-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Our class was visited by officials from the Galesburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. Director of Tourism Diane Bruening (left) was accompianed by Jean Jacobs (right) to speak to the class about promoting tourism. Tourism affects Galesburg's economy in many ways; for instance, last year the Orpheum Theatre made more than $1 million.

They distributed many items that they hand out at the Visitor's Bureau and spoke about getting people from all over Illinois to Galesburg.

Giving Back to Galesburg: Part I

2009-03-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Lincoln Seminar class is currently reaching out to community resources on how to give back to Galesburg. One of the first steps was researching our possibilities of making an impact on our historic town. We are covering a wide variety of topics including the underground railroad, historical homes, and teaching others. The class has successfully contacted historians and members of the community who have previously made an impact.

Knox Speaker Offers Insight on Hip-Hop Generation

2009-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Bakari Kitwana, who spoke at Knox College on Feb. 25, is the author of The Hip Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture, a book that is used in many college classrooms. He has also been a music reviewer for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." One of our students attended the presentation. Afterwards, Diego shared feedback about the program with the Lincoln Seminar class.

"Mr. Kitwana gave a great insight on the changes to hip-hop over time from an underground music scene to a world-wide culture," Diego said. "The generations of hip-hop have changed from what he called bridging the generation in the late 70's and the early 80's of rappers and black people who were too young to participate in the Civil Rights movements, the golden age of the hip-hope generation (1984-1994) to the modern post hip-hop group."

He talked about the political changes in hip-hop over the ages with Krs-one, Public Enemy, and Tupac during the late 80's to Dead Prez and Mos Def during the early 90's, to Talib Kweli in the current music scene.

Reflecting on Springfield Trip

2009-02-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

"I especially enoyed the wreath-laying ceremony. It was really neat to meet the new governor and to listen to what he had to say." -Lily

"My favorite part of the Lincoln trip/birthday party was learning how to do the Virginia Reel. It was extremely fun." -Travis

"Seeing Abe's desk in his Springfield home was my favorite moment." -Jessie

"I most enjoyed going to the Lincoln ball. It made me feel like I had gone back in time as I watched everyone, dressed in period costume, dance around the floor." -Emily

"My favorite part was going to the Lincoln tomb and seeing the headstone where my favorite president lay." -Olivia

"My favorite part was how the unity of all the people in Springfield that day was so astounding and how the appreciation of this great man created an atmoshpere of love and learning." -Rachel

"For me, personally, one of the best parts of the trip was how during our free time, we saw about four men who we could tell were Lincoln impersonators but were out of costume." -Michelle

"When we were at the ball, I decided to go through the museum again. I thought that was an amazing experience the second time around because I got to take time to reflect on the images and information more." -Brandon

"My favorite part of the trip to Springfield was the concert celebrating Lincoln. It was great to see people giving tribute to him, and the singing of the certain songs captured the unity that Lincoln had always strived for." -Emma

"The trip down to Springfield for President Lincoln's birthday is and always will be forever remembered." -Diego

"The trip to Springfield was an all-around treat, but there were certain moments that most definitely stood out. The wreath-laying ceremony at Lincoln's tomb was exciting and yet somber. Witnessing all the veterans and meeting Gov. Quinn was definitely a highlight of the trip as well." -Noah

"My favorite part was dancing at the ball." -Amelia

Everything Lincoln!

2009-02-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

The purpose of the Lincoln Seminar class is to celebrate the bicenntennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and celebrate we did! The class took a two-day trip down to Springfield, IL to take part in multiple forms of celebration.

One of the highlights on the evening of February 11th was going to the "Let Freedom Sing" concert in downtown Springfield. We all enjoyed the bell choirs, gospel chorsus, and the piping band. After the concert, we headed down to the vigil held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum.

On February 12th, Lincoln's birthday, we participated in many events. We went to the Illinois State Museum to view the new exhibit "From Humble Beginnings." Next, we went to the Lincoln Museum to participate in the nation-wide, record breaking reading of the Gettysburg Address, where we received free, snazzy t-shirts for proof.

Another highlight of the trip was visiting Lincoln's Tomb for the wreath-laying ceremony. We had a chance to meet the Illinois' new governor, Pat Quinn. The emotional ceremony included speeches and a lot of contact with the media.

After the ceremony, we boarded the bus to go back to downtown Springfield to break off into groups and explore all things Lincoln. Sprinkled throughout the area were displays, book discussions, and art exhibits. Local businesses also celebrated. There were even giant "cupcakes" made of popcorn and jelly bean portraits of our 16th president!

Other acivities included a tour of the Linclon home and a visit to the period ball at the Lincoln Museum. Overall, our experience was amazing, and it was a trip we will never forget.

Governor Quinn greetings Lincoln Seminar students at Lincoln's Tomb.

2009-02-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Governor Quinn arrived to lay a wreath at Lincoln's Tomb. The students posed for a photography with the new governor and listened to his remarks during the wreath laying ceremony. The also viewed an exhibit of customs related to State Funerals for dignitaries.

(Click on the play button to see Gov. Quinn's greeting to the students.)

The SMARTBoard - the new way of learning

2009-02-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

This week in Lincoln Seminar, we got a chance to use to the SMARTBoard, which has become the newest in technology for teaching.

We learned how to create games for some of the lessons we are planning to do out in the community. The SMARTBoard will be useful when some of us plan to go out and work in elementary and junior high school later this term.

Obama: A New Frontier

2009-01-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

With the Obama Inauguration well designed in our class schedule,
our class began a new age. With Barack Obama being Illinois' former senator, we watched in delight to see him glide across the steps and take the oath with Lincoln's Bible.

CBS stated that between 1.8 million to 2 million people were in attendance as this historic day was broadcast around the world. The Lincoln Seminar class watched intently to see what was going on in our nation's capital. Cheers were heard while the flow of tears could be seen in the eyes of some.

The Price Is Right- Money Simulation

2009-01-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

During class this week, we had some interesting discussions, along with a visit from Mr. Busse. The topic of the week: Confederate money and the terrible inflation that occurred in the South. Just to express how awful the inflation got, a pair of shoes was valued at more than $600 and a winter jacket would run you around $1,200.

During Mr. Busse's talk, he told us about how the inflation process works. One way inflation occurs is when there is too much money in circulation, which makes the dollar worth less so the price goes up.

At the beginning of the week, we got a packet of Confederate money, which we found out was not the same throughout the South. For example, North Carolina had a different currency than Georgia, which often made trading and traveling difficult.

Throughout the week, we watched Gone With the Wind and had to face many of the challenges the Southerners had to face. One decision we had to make was whether or not to send our son into battle or to pay off someone to take his spot.

We got to choose from a different set of daughters, all of which had a little something written about them. Some of our daughters went to a ball and met the love of their lives, and some went to a ball and ended up marrying their cousins! Whether we paid $50 or $5 to the cause; all depended on if we were enthusiastic supporters of the Southern cause, or not.

At the end of the week, some of us had spent all of our money on necessities and lived day to day by buying food (such as cornbread, molasses, etc.) and some of us would have been millionaires--if the money would have been worth anything after the war.

Ho Ho Ho

2009-01-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Lincoln Seminar class got a surprise visit from a very special guest this past week--Santa Claus! Jolly St. Nick handed out presents brought in by our fellow classmates, such as a hand-painted gift box filled with goodies and exquisite Godiva chocolate.

As everyone marveled over their gifts, they also enjoyed delicious treats. This included homemade cookies by Olivia's grandma, cupcakes, brownies and many others. During the Christmas "get-together," we also played a Lincoln trivia game. This proved to be an entertaining surprise for the class.

Students Complete Research

2008-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

During 2nd term in our class, we have been working diligently on our research papers. We all have our unique subjects, anywhere from female spies, to Lincoln's religious life. Working hard in and out of class and given us all a look into the lives of people during the Civil War.

"My research project was on Abraham Lincoln's spiritual beliefs," Bryan explained. "This subject is very controversial for historians. Some say that he had no particular religion while others say he was presbyterian. In fact, Lincoln had no particular religion, but he believed in the most high God."

We are also learning a lot about the South and their views of the nation during this difficult time in American history. We will be sharing information about each of our intresting topics in the near future. We are all excited to hear about our fellow classmates' interests.

The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Tour

2008-11-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 13th, our Lincoln Seminar Class took a day off school to travel down to Springfield, IL. While in Springfield, we toured the Lincoln Museum. There we saw the life and death of one of the country's greatest presidents.

While touring this magnificent place, we took some of the best pictures with Lincoln and his family.

After having lunch at different restaurants of our choice in Springfield, we went to the Lincoln Library located right across the street from the Museum, for our brief session on Lincoln. In the library, we met with Dr. Erin Bishop, Ph.D. Director of Education Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. The lesson dealt with Lincoln's position on slavery. In this session, we learned how difficult it would be to determine if Lincoln was a racist or not while also learning why people of those days considered him to be racist. Another aspect that we learned from Dr. Bishop is that many thought of Lincoln to be the "Great Emancipater."

Examining Presidential Campaigns- Then and Now.

2008-11-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

This week we did two exciting activities. In the first, we talked about the four--that’s right four--different political parties that were active during the 1860 presidential campaign. Those include the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Southern Democrats, and the Constitutional Union Party. We formed groups and presented to each other what excatly each party represented.

In the second of the activities, we mixed the past with the present when we compared President Lincoln and President-elect Obama and the major challenges that they both have or will face, including racism and economic problems.

Going Head to Head with Rivals

2008-11-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

The 1860 Republican Convention was held in the modern "Wigwam", Rm. 35, on October 28. Three rivals (William Henry Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates) came in to presuade us to vote for them.

However, just as they were giving their speeches, Abe Lincoln tried to sway voters to think of our second choice. Which in turn won Lincoln the election later on in the race. We learned what the canaidates would do for our country if they were the Republican nominee. Many had substantial resumes, but it was Lincoln's moderate point of view that won us in the end.

The Research Begins

2008-10-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

We have started our Lincoln Era research. This project has the whole class individually researching on a broad collection of topics from what was the fashion style of a Civil War soldier to the theories on the assassination of Lincoln.

Our projects can either be in an artistic form, a researched essay, or a short story. Students can also enter their projects in to open competiton to win cash prizes or scholarships.

The Life of John Brown

2008-10-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Last week in class, we learned about the radical Abolitionist John Brown and his crusade against slavery. We learned that he was a very religious man throughout his whole life and always held a Bible everywhere he went.

Our student teacher Mr. Griese, or MG for short, had the class do a activities (life maps) so we could understand Mr. Brown's life. MG taught about Brown's famous raid on Haprer's Ferry, in which John Brown, along with twenty-one of his fellow believers, raided an in Virginia amory (Haprer's Ferry), and took sixty people hostage.

They hoped to steal the weapons out of the amory and give them to the local slaves, so they would rebel against their slave masters. The plan failed after a company of the U.S. Army lead by Gen. Robert Lee came and captured John Brown and his men. Later, John Brown was hanged for his actions.

Musical Mastermind Mesmerizes Class

2008-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege of having Dr. Bruce Polay, father of our own Rachel Polay, come into our class and talk to us about the music of the mid-nineteenth century.

He explained in great detail the type of music by Stephen Foster that revolutionized the music during Lincoln times. He told us that many of the musical selections were discriminatory towards African American people. -

This picture is one of Dr. Polay holding a book that contains many pieces of music by Foster. Its illustrations captured the many stereotypes of African American people of the time.

Among Foster's popular songs are Oh! Susanna (1848), De Camptown Races (1850), Old Folks at Home [aka Swanee River] (1851), My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! (1853), Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair (1854), Gentle Annie (1856), Beautiful Dreamer (1862), and The Voices That Are Gone (1865).

At the end of the class period, Dr. Polay generously offered an invitation to our entire class to go hear Knox-Galesburg Symphony.

Debate Report Card 1858

2008-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

This week, our class took a time machine back into the year 1858. Arriving at the Lincoln-Douglas debates, each "news crew" of about four students focused on one of the seven debate sites, making a report fit for television. Impersonating great reporters such as Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer, we interviewed Mr. Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas to further investigate the debates. Just as our modern-day CNN role models critique today's candidates, we have created the Report Card 1858:

Stephen A. Douglas: With strong views (and a loud mouth), Douglas showed persistence and a great love for his country.

Abraham Lincoln: Our favorite candidate, Honest Abe, fought dynamically for the title. He played the moral card against his opponent, leaving Douglas in the dust.

Blast from the Past: Abe Comes to Town

2008-10-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Classroom 35 had a festive atmosphere last Friday when Mr. Abe Lincoln and Mr. Stephan Douglas themselves made an appearance before our class and the mayor of Galesburg. The room was complete with streamers, supportive Lincoln posters, and a giant banner reading "GHS for Lincoln!" which made Mr. Douglas wary of entering. The class donned our new blue Lincoln tees. When Douglas caught sight of these, he claimed we would wear "Douglas Seminar" t-shirts, if he had provided them--given that high school students will wear any t-shirt.

As the hour proceeded, students asked difficult questions testing Mr. Lincoln's and Mr. Douglas' true knowledge of themselves. When one student referred to Mr. Douglas as "Judge Douglas," Mr. Lincoln called him a true Republican. Following the interrogation, everyone enjoyed top hat treats made by Mrs. Eiker, a teacher at the high school. After a few snapshots of our newfound friends, the bell rang concluding class and sending everyone their separate ways.

Establishing A Political Party

2008-10-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Becomes a Republican
During September 22-26, Mr. Busse was the visiting instructor teaching the history of politics. We learned that Abraham Lincoln was originally a member of the Whig Party. He was influenced by the admiration of Henry Clay, a statesman and orator who represented Kentucky in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Clay was the founder of the Whig Party.

When this party died out, he became a member of the Republican Party. It was to our surprise that the Democratic and Republican Parties were not our nation's first political organizations. At that point was strongly anti-slavery, which grabbed Lincoln's attention. In our view, he was taking a risk by joining a new party.

In the new party, Lincoln became an outspoken opponent of slavery. He opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, was in favor of higher education and economic philosophy similar to the Whigs. In addition to the Republican Party, the Constitutional Union of 1860 was formed from the Whig Party.

Knox College Guest Speaker Relates Local History

2008-09-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Underground Railroad Flourishes in Galesburg Area

Owen Muelder, the expert on the Underground Railroad movement in Western Illinois, came into our classroom to share his wisdom about slavery and the Underground Railroad. He impressed us all with his knowledge of the origin of slavery, which began over 7000 years ago. Modern slavery started in Portugal in the early 15th century. As slavery progressed, it eventually came to the United States with the help of clipper ships. We were surprised to learn that African slaves carried elephant tusks to ships bound for the United States, to be used on pianos.

Muelder shared the fact with us that religious institutions and the Great Philosophers of the Enlightenment started the anti-slavery mindset. In America, a wide range of people benefited economically from slavery. It also took great courage to be an abolitionist during this time. Locally, there was movement as well. Men like Charles Finney and George Washington Gale had a fiery passion to share their beliefs. These ideas spread like prairie fire and led to the development of the Underground Railroad, in which Galesburg had a crucial role.

Clash of the Teachers--North vs. South

2008-09-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dramatic Legislation

During the week of September 8th through the 12th, our two visiting teachers went head to head in a historical battle. Mr. Hawes and Mr. Devore dove into topics such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Missouri Compromise of 1820, and the events that followed suit with the legislation concerning slavery. North vs. South, Hawes vs. Devore. Both showed different views and forces on the events that flourished between the years of 1790 and 1858.

One of the things that surprised us and our classmates was the issues concerning the Compromise of 1850. The promoters had to break up the components of the compromise in order to pass legislation and the workings were then titled the Compromise of 1850.

Cemetery Tour

2008-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Remembering the Founders...

On Friday, September 5, our class traveled back in time to Hope Cemetary. Judge Bulkeley gave us a tour introducing the class to some prominant figures of Galesburg's past. We discovered that there is a Revolutionary War Veteran buried as well in this cemetary.

We were very impressed at how some of these people risked their lives inorder to live in Galesburg. The travel to get to this remote community was dangerous as well as expensive. Among the graves we saw were the Gale family, the Ferris family, Chauncey Colton, and Joseph Dudley, the first child born in Galesburg to G.W. Gale.

Many of us marvled at how old some of the markers were and we wondered about the history of them. Most had lost their description over time.

Knox College Adventures

2008-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Touching the Face of History...

During the week of September 1-5, the Lincoln Seminar class ventured out to our local college, Knox. Dr. Rod Davis, a nationally known Lincoln scholar, talked to us about his Lincoln research. He told us about how he and his colleague, Dr. Doug Wilson, went to the Library of Congress to study and research the letters collected by Lincoln's law partner, William Herndon. Dr. Davis showed us photocopies of the letters. They used these letters to write the instant classic, Herndon's Informants.

Another aspect of our adventure was a visit to Knox College Library where we saw one of the nation's most exquisite Lincoln book collections. This is where many of us also got to touch the face of history. By history, we mean we got to touch a life mask of Lincoln's face--the Lincoln who changed our nation forever.

We closed our adventure with having a delicious lunch at the friendly Gizmo.

Photography Expert Speaks to the Class

2008-08-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mr. Tom Foley spoke to the class to discuss way we can improve photos taken during field trips and class projects. He showed a collection of photos that he took at New Salem during the day in which participants were taking the roles of settlers.

He mentioned that photographers need to keep CBS (Closeness, Balance, and Storytelling) in mind.

New Salem Offers Look at Young Abe

2008-06-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for our trip to New Salem. About half the class and all five teachers enjoyed a full day of going back to the 1830s. Imagine young Abraham Lincoln coming to this place, on his own now, to establish independence from his family and start his own life's journey. It certainly was varied in the six years he lived in New Salem as a laborer, store owner, post master, surveyor, soldier, and politician. Here Abraham Lincoln tasted the fruits of the American democracy, taking advantage of opportunities, continuing to educate himself, and earning the respect of the villagers. Here he took initiative, responsibility, and leadership. Perhaps he found love, too! That "Abe loves Anne" story continues to be disputed, but I think during such a glorious time of awakening for Abe he probably had his first crush. Each of you can decide.

While there we saw fascinating displays of soap and lye making, woodworking, barrel and basket making, cooking, washing, spinning, and carding wool (individually and at the mill with the help of an ox), and grinding grain at the old grist mill. We heard intriguing information from many of the people acting as villagers.

Overall, it was a wonderful day for learning about some very formative years in Abraham Lincoln's life and for spending time together.

Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates That Defined America

2008-06-27T17:48:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a new book by Allen C. Guelzo that shines a spotlight upon both Lincoln and Douglas during their great debate series of 1858. The author delves into the personalities of these two political adversaries as well as their political philosophies. The author uses grids for each debate for those readers who would like to use score cards. Descriptions of the various communities involved, including Galesburg (pp 215-233). Much has been written about these events but this book will open new vistas and raise questions that define that period in our nation's history. As the book's cover jacket indicates:"What is democracy's purpose? Is it to satisfy the desires of the majority? Or is it to achieve a just and moral public order?" That query was the $64,000 question going into the 1860's.

I look forward to a great trip to New Salem on June 28th and a stimulating year with Abe Lincoln scholars as we continue to develop a finer appreciation of the intellect, humor, wisdom and compassion of our 16th President.

Team of Rivals

2008-06-22T09:45:00.001-07:00

My summer reading, so far, has been mostly this interesting and convincing history by Doris Kearns Goodwin. While much of it is familiar, a couple of pieces of new information are appropriate to our study. I never realized how astute Lincoln was as a politician. The focus is on Lincoln and his cabinet rivals. His cabinet had many members with political ambitions of their own. He was able to maneuver the increasingly dangerous slavery issues in the political domain during the 1850's, and the Civil War, largely because of his political skills.

Goodwin says he was successful because of these skills and his understanding of human nature formed in his early years. I would add the importance of his early years in forming his views and understanding of American slavery. When these views were being formed, it was Galesburg that was in the forefront of the opposition to slavery. Lincoln's formative years had to be influenced by the forces of abolition that so swirled in and around Galesburg. The Lincoln Seminar rises in importance as we attach ourselves to the life of this man who came out of the state of Illinois to maneuver the country through the process of ending slavery and preserving the Union.

Charity for all

House Divided Speech

2008-06-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln was unanimously chosen by the Republican state convention as the Republican candidate for the United States Senate from the State of Illinois. Meeting in the House of Representatives chamber in the State Capitol, the Republican party went wild when a banner was displayed with the motto "Illinois is for Abraham Lincoln." The new Republican party, started in Ripon, Wisconsin in 1854, felt they had a winner in their new candidate.

That evening Lincoln gave his acceptance speech. In it he said, "If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved--I do not expect the house to fall--but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new--North as well as South..."

Many historians believe that this speech cost Lincoln the Senate race. However, it set the moral tone for the country about an issue that had to be addressed. The ensuing Civil War divided the country, but in the end the union was preserved and the house stands free.

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler

A visit to Soldiers' Home

2008-06-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

For one quarter of his presidency Abraham Lincoln journeyed three miles between the White House and what was then known as Soldiers' Home. Walt Whitman recounted seeing Lincoln pass by many days, noting the increasing lines of care and concern on the face of the president. Mary Lincoln, after being out of the White House for a year, lamented that Soldiers' Home had been a most important place to her.

In the summer of 1864, the Confederates were so close to this summer White House of the Lincolns that the president was forced to return to the actual White House.

On one of his sojourns from the White House to Soldiers' Home, Lincoln heard a shot which spooked his horse and he lost his hat. The guards decided to investigate; they found the president's hat--with a bullet hole in it! Many people had often expressed concern about this trek that the president often took alone. Typically, Lincoln's own regard for his safety did not keep him from pursuing this route that kept him near soldiers, where he could talk with them and hear their concerns.

Summer Reading

2008-06-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Share your insights about Lincoln from the summer reading of the biography written by Benjamin P. Thomas.

I was impressed by the humility of Lincoln. In his letters to friends he often remarks on his own shortcomings. For example, when he is describing his loneliness during the first few days in Springfield, Illinois, he explained that he had not even gone to church because he was unsure about how to behave in society.

He frequently remarks that he feels awkward in the presence of ladies. On page 70, one of the most revealing lines reads: "Never again would he think of marriage, he declared, for he could never be satisfied with any woman who would be such a 'block-head' as to accept him."