National Park Foundation, National Trust for Historic Preservation and History(TM) Ask America to Give a Lincoln For Lincoln(TM)

HODGENVILLE, Ky., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Thanksgiving, and the first President to declare it a national holiday, the National Park Foundation (NPF) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) joined History(TM) today inHodgenville, KY to celebrate Lincoln's legacy and unveil GIVE A LINCOLN FOR LINCOLN(TM) -- a year-long initiative by History(TM) to encourage Americans to donateLincoln-head pennies, five dollar bills, or make larger contributions to help preserve six key sites associated with Lincoln's life and legacy. GIVE A LINCOLN FOR LINCOLN(TM) aims to raise a minimum of $200,000, or $1,000 for every year since Lincoln's birth. The campaign is part of a larger education and outreach effort spearheaded by History(TM) in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial.

"History(TM) urges all Americans to take part in this nationwide campaign," said Dr. Libby O'Connell, Chief Historian, Senior Vice President Corporate Outreach for History(TM), "and to participate in the opportunities available as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial. Whether you explore aLincoln historic site with your family, share Lincoln's legacy with students, read the 16th President's inspiring words in a library, or visit one of the upcoming exhibitions around the country, this is the perfect time to learn more about one of our nation's greatest Presidents. And, by donating yourLincoln-head pennies or going on-line and making a larger contribution, we can work together to preserveLincoln sites for future generations."

At the event, National Park Foundation Honorary Chair Mrs. Laura Bush also celebrated Lincoln's legacy with 50 Junior Rangers from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School inHodgenville, KY gathered at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site for a day dedicated to Lincoln's legacy. Led by National Park Rangers and historical interpreters in period costume, the group learned about the life and times of our 16th President throughLincoln inspired activities like splitting rails and spinning thread. Perhaps most important were the themed coin boxes the students made to look like log cabins and top hats so that they can begin collecting their own Lincolns forLincoln.

"Because of the inexhaustible generosity of countless citizens who saved and contributed their pennies, America is fortunate to have an extraordinary system of 391 national parks," said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "As the official national charitable partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation is proud to join History(TM), the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American public in this grassroots fundraising effort to endow the legacy of President Lincoln."

Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said, "TheLincoln legacy is the heritage of all Americans and the historic sites connected with him are important to protect and preserve. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is proud to partner with History(TM) and the National Park Foundation to honor President Lincoln during the Bicentennial of his birth. GIVE A LINCOLN FOR LINCOLN(TM) provides a way for every American adult and child to participate in saving our history for future generations."

Donations collected through GIVE A LINCOLN FOR LINCOLN(TM) will benefit six specific sites:

    Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site (Hodgenville, KY)
    Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Lincoln City, IN)
    Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield, IL)
    President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home (Washington DC)
    Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (Washington, DC)
    Lincoln Memorial (Washington, DC)

To contribute, get coin boxes and learn more visit www.history.com/lincoln. The website also contains information for students and teachers on how they can participate.

About History(TM) and History HD(TM) are the leading destinations for revealing, award-winning, original non-fiction series and event-driven specials that connects history with viewers in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. Programming covers a diverse variety of historical genres ranging from military history to contemporary history, technology to natural history, as well as science, archaeology and pop culture. Among the networks' program offerings are hit series such as Ax Men, Battle 360, The Universe, Cities of The Underworld and Ice Road Truckers, as well as acclaimed specials including King, Life After People, 1968 With Tom Brokaw, Lost Book of Nostradamus, Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed and Sherman's March. History has earned four Peabody Awards, four Primetime Emmy(R) Awards, 12 News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. Take A Veteran to School Day is the network's latest initiative connecting America's schools and communities with veterans from all wars. History's website, located at www.History.com, is the definitive historical online source that delivers entertaining and informative content featuring broadband video, interactive timelines, maps, games podcasts and more.

About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation is a 501(c )(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. In 2007, the Foundation had its best fundraising year ever bringing in $43 million dollars in support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history -- and the important moments of everyday life -- took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters inWashington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org

SOURCE National Park Foundation

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