For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2009

DC’s Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration Continues with Spring & Summer Events

Just as Barack Obama evoked the spirit of Abraham Lincoln in his history-making inauguration, Washington, DC continues to serve up ways to honor our sixteenth president this spring and summer. Star-studded concerts, family festivals, the re-dedication of one of DC’s best-loved memorials and even a gathering of Lincoln re-enactors give Honest Abe’s fans more reasons to join in “Living the Legacy: Lincoln in DC,” DC’s latest citywide cultural tourism celebration. Plan a weekend getaway and take advantage of Lincoln-themed hotel packages, available exclusively at Washington.org.

On Easter weekend, 1939, noted soprano Marian Anderson’s scheduled performance at DAR Constitution Hall was canceled when organizers discovered that she was African-American. With the support of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial instead. In honor of Lincoln’s bicentennial, DC native Denyce Graves will headline a star-studded reenactment of Anderson’s famous concert on Easter Sunday, April 12. 

In another major bicentennial event, Lincoln enthusiasts will make their way to the Lincoln Memorial on May 30 for the re-dedication of the Lincoln Memorial “four score and seven years” after its 1922 opening. Stay tuned for more details.

Looking for a Lincoln photo opp? DC will play host to dozens of Lincoln look-alikes April 16-19 as the Association of Lincoln Presenters brings its annual convention to DC, with events at various locations throughout the area.

“Living the Legacy” continues through April 30, including Lincoln-themed concerts, exhibitions, lectures, tours and performances are also on tap at institutions including the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, National Portrait Gallery and other cultural institutions throughout the city.

For more information or to view a complete list of events, log on to lincolnindc.com.

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About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.