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ÅLINCOLN CITY — Indiana makes two more claims during the next few weeks on forming the life of Abraham Lincoln, both events centered near this southern Indiana community where the Lincolns arrived in 1816 after crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky.
As everyone should know by now, during this 200th anniversary year of Lincoln’s birth, Abraham was born in Kentucky, reared in Indiana and elected president in Illinois.
Indiana takes certain pride in forming the character of young Lincoln who lived in Indiana from ages 7 to 21. Indeed, Lincoln himself once famously said, “There I grew up.”
First of the two events occurs here May 14 when the second of four new Lincoln pennies becomes available. The first penny was introduced in Kentucky to mark his birth. The second heralds Lincoln’s Hoosier heritage. The third notes his life as a lawyer in Illinois and the fourth commemorates his presidency.
One cent pieces have been in circulation since 1793 and the Lincoln penny since 1909, the 100th anniversary of his birth. The new coins have the same content as other pennies — 2.5 percent copper and the balance zinc.
The Indiana penny depicts the young Lincoln taking a break, sitting on a log to read while about his work as a rail splitter. The image was designed and sculpted by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Charles Vickers.
The special ceremony to make the coin available to the public takes place at the Lincoln Amphitheatre Thursday, May 14, at 10 a.m. It includes music and artisan demonstrations as well as sale of the coin.
While the public is invited, space is limited, so those attending are urged to be there at least an hour in advance. Remember, Spencer County is on Central Time.
Second of the events occurs Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. with the world premiere of a new show, “Lincoln,” which includes multimedia projections and period music as part of the newly written performance.
Some 53 roles are included in the work of playwright Ken Jones. He was selected from some 30 playwrights by the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association. Jones says “Lincoln’s own words” guided him in “weaving the boyhood days in Indiana with the years of his presidency.”
Fifty-six performances are scheduled through Aug. 15, running continuously from the opening except for Monday nights. Some tickets can be combined with an Amish-style meal two hours before the show. Those tickets also include a souvenir program and a Matthew Brady-style Lincoln photograph. (See “If You Go” box for more details.)
In addition, a new Lincoln Exhibit will be open at the amphitheatre, again highlighting Lincoln’s Indiana years.
Both of these events can easily be coupled with a visit to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Living Historical Farm, just across the road from Lincoln State Park.
Next week: One of those remaining old Indiana courthouses.
earl conn’s Traveling Indiana appears each Sunday in this newspaper. If you have a favorite Hoosier site you would like to see featured, contact him by e-mail at
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or call him at (765) 289-2080.
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