Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Sponsors “Looking for Your Lincoln Hero" global online essay and art contest

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, management entity for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in central Illinois, recently announced its sponsorship of  the “Looking for Your Lincoln Hero" global online essay and art contest, highlighting the heroic qualities of Abraham Lincoln. The announcement was made at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Attendees included Congressman Ray LaHood, US Lincoln Bicentennial Co-Chair, who holds Lincoln’s Congressional seat in Congress, and Senator Richard Durbin, US Lincoln Bicentennial Co-chair-and senior Senator from Illinois. Both men are also honorary co-chairs of the essay competition.  
Participants are invited to submit pieces that illustrate the heroic qualities of Abraham Lincoln that they most admire as well as a description of the person in their own lives who most embodies those same qualities. The Lincoln-like hero can be someone known personally, or someone admired from afar. Artwork is also allowed as part of the competition. For more information and contest details, visit www.myhero.com.


Finalist judges for the contest include many real-life heroes. For example, Paul Rusesabagina, who saved more than 1,000 people during the Rwandan Genocide, will be a judge as will Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee. In addition, many preeminent Lincoln scholars will also be reviewing essays and artwork, including Eileen Mackevich, Executive Director of the US Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and Dr. Marcia Young, Looking for Lincoln Board member and historian in Illinois.

The “My Hero Project” is a true web phenomenon that enjoys 2 million hits per month. It is popular with teachers and students across the globe, as well as anyone else searching for positive images of heroes and role models. The Abraham Lincoln contest is intended to inspire and educate people around the world, who may never visit a Lincoln related historic site, but will now have the opportunity to learn about his life and legacy.

Designated in 2008, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and promoting the Lincoln Legacy sites in Illinois, including the icons of Lincoln’s Home, Law Office, Old State Capitol, Lincoln’s Tomb, historic New Salem, and the world-class Presidential Library and Museum. To read more and plan travel to learn first-hand about Lincoln’s life journey, visit www.lookingforlincoln.com