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Annual Report FY 11
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation
Annual ReportFY11
From the Chair
by Wayne Whalen, Chair
In 2011, the nation began commemorating
the 150th anniversary of the Civil War,
a conflict that remains etched in our
memory today as much for the changes
that it effected in American society as for
its many instances of personal sacrifice.
Nearly every week during the five-year
(2011 to 2015) commemoration will bring
anniversaries of momentous events from
the Civil War. In March 2011, we were
Wayne Whalen
reminded of Lincoln’s poetic words at
the conclusion of his first inaugural address: “The mystic chords of
memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living
heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of
the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of
our nature.”
These words, spoken 150 years ago, trying to avert civil war, not only remind
citizens across the country that our nation’s history will forever bind
us together, but also offer hope for a better future. While the mission of the
Foundation focuses on the past, we express our hope for the future through
support for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s
(ALPLM) collections, exhibitions, and programs that teach lessons of the
past and continue to share Lincoln’s Legacy with successive generations.
On behalf of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, we
would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the individuals, families,
foundations, and corporations for their continued kindness and generosity.
As we continue to focus on the Civil War Era and anticipate new and exciting
exhibits in 2012, we ask that you stay committed to partnering with us
as we support the ALPLM in its mission to promote historical literacy—
globally connecting teachers, students, and innumerable numbers of history
ambassadors to Lincoln in new and exciting ways.
9 Annual Report
“The mystic chords of
memory, stretching from
every battle-field, and
patriot grave, to every living
heart and hearthstone,
all over this broad land,
will yet swell the chorus
of the Union, when again
touched, as surely they will
be, by the better angels of
our nature.”
Abraham Lincoln,
March 4, 1861
Board Chair Wayne Whalen (right) with 2010 Lincoln Leadership
Prize recipient Captain James A. Lovell, Jr. during his portrait unveiling
in Springfield in September 2010.