Lincoln Home Recieves Award
April 20, 2021
Lincoln Home National Historic Site is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of the Organization of American Historians Stanton-Horton Award for Excellence in National Park Service History for the development of “The Illinois Freedom Project” youth history initiative.
The Stanton-Horton Award is presented annually by the Organization of American Historians for excellence in National Park Service historical efforts that make the NPS a leader in promoting public understanding of and engagement with American history.
The Illinois Freedom Projectis a youth focused multimedia effort that includes a web site, videos, printed materials, curriculum and a traveling exhibit. Together, these resources present the stories of freedom through the lens of the people, places, and events covering over 200 years of Illinois history. The Illinois Freedom Project also presents suggested field trips, called “Illinois Freedom Journeys” to historic sites and museums throughout Illinois. The journeys encourage conversation, teach youth beyond the textbook, and show students first-hand where Illinois history was made.
The Illinois Freedom Project was developed in partnership with the State Historic Sites at Springfield and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Community youth mentoring organizations were also crucial in the development of this program. They include,The Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois; Alpha Kappa Alpha-A.S.C.E.N.D.; The Outlet; Phi Beta Sigma-Sigma Beta Club; Sangamon County Metro 4H; and Springfield Frontiers.
The Illinois Freedom Project web site is located at www.lookingforlincoln.org/education/freedom/. The traveling exhibit has been, is, or is scheduled to be, on exhibit in twenty facilities in communities throughout Illinois, from Freeport to Cairo, and from Danville to Quincy.