BC Gov News

A letter reflecting the personal stories of British Columbians concerning the legacy of Abraham Lincoln is now included in an online exhibit commemorating the former U.S. president.

In remembrance of the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s death in April 1865, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum asked Premier Christy Clark to prepare a letter reflecting on the meaning of Abraham Lincoln and his legacy to British Columbians.

The letter is now paired with condolences sent by the Governor and Legislature of the Colony of Vancouver Island to the United States, following President Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. It will be a permanent part of the museum’s collections, shared in an online exhibit celebrating the legacy of a man known and revered around the world.

To ensure the letter is truly reflective of British Columbia’s unique perspective, Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan engaged with British Columbians in February 2015, to collaborate and share their personal stories about the legacy Lincoln created.

During the online consultation, which coincided with Black History Month and Heritage Week, historians, educators, musicians, community organizations, political leaders, heritage bloggers and citizens with family connections to Lincoln shared their stories through blog posts, email, mail, social media and by phone. Comments and personal reflections touched on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the civil war era and B.C.’s connection to this important time in history.

Quote:

MLA for Vancouver-False Creek Sam Sullivan -

“I am honoured to be a part of this project and was struck by the thoughtful responses received during the consultation process. It’s important to recognize how the legacy of Lincoln and the civil war era affected British Columbians and helped shape our communities today.”

“The Lincoln Legacy project provided a wonderful opportunity to tap into a little-known aspect of our connected history with the United States.”

Learn More:

To read the letter now posted on the Abraham Lincoln Digital Museum, please visit: http://bit.ly/1C5E0GA or http://www.citizenlincoln.org/

To learn more about B.C.’s Lincoln Legacy Project, please visit the website and blog: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/abrahamlincolnlegacy/

To learn more about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, please visit: http://www.illinois.gov/alplm/Pages/default.aspx

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
250 889-3922