Bill Moyers Journal . Two Centuries of Lincoln

Two Centuries of Lincoln

February 6, 2009

Lincoln's image and legacy are not just a matter of debate among historians — he is arguably, America's most famous icon. In his conversation with Bill Moyers, historian Eric Foner explained the durability of Lincoln in American culture:

The reason we keep finding new things to say about Lincoln is that Lincoln is a mirror for ourselves. People find in Lincoln indications of their own time. The questions we ask about Lincoln change as our times change.... Lincoln is kind of a Rorschach test for every generation to look at and to see new things.

Explore the popular uses of Lincoln's images through the ages and tell use what Lincoln means to you on The Moyers Blog.

(Mouse over the top of the image to read the text. Click on a number to pause the slide show.)

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Published February 6, 2009.

LOOKING FOR LINCOLN
In this PBS special which premieres February 11, 2009 (check local listings) Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s quest to piece together Abraham Lincoln�s complex life takes him from Illinois to Gettysburg to Washington, D.C., and face-to-face with people who live with Lincoln every day � relic hunters, re-enactors, and others for whom the study of Lincoln is a passion. The Web site also includes maps of Lincoln sites in the U.S., a Lincoln knowledge quiz, and an interactive timeline.

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln" premieres February 9, 2009 (check local listings.) You can also view the entire show online.

James H. Cone
With the noose and the lynching tree entering the national discussion in the wake of recent news events, Bill Moyers interviews theologian James Cone about how these powerful images relate to the symbol of the cross and how they signify both tragedy and triumph. (November 23, 2007)

GLENN GREENWALD AND JAY ROSEN
Is the old media sustaining the old politics? News and analysis with NYU journalism professor and PressThink blogger Jay Rosen and political journalist and Salon.com blogger Glenn Greenwald

ERIC FONER ON OUR LINCOLN
As Abraham Lincoln�s bicentennial birthday approaches, Bill Moyers sits down with historian and Lincoln biographer Eric Foner to discuss the legacy and the legend of America�s most studied president.

TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF LINCOLN
View a photo essay of America's number one icon.

ONLINE CHAT WITH BILL MOYERS
Bill Moyers will chat online Tuesday February 6, 2009 at pbs.org. Get the details.

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