About the Center for Lincoln Studies

lincoln statue

The Center for Lincoln Studies is dedicated to the study of Abraham Lincoln's life, era, and legacy. Through active learning opportunities, meaningful research, and civic engagement, the Center for Lincoln Studies ensures that everyone has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in Lincoln's legacy.

Center for Lincoln Studies Core Activities

Community Education

The Center for Lincoln Studies offers engaging programs on Lincoln's life, era, and legacy. Most notably, the CLS holds the Mary and James Beaumont Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series every fall. This year, NPR's Steve Inskeep will headline the Beaumont Lectures, discussing the topic of Lincoln and Political Conflict

Lincoln Research

The Center for Lincoln Studies conducts and supports research on Lincoln, his era, and his legacy. Recently, CLS director Jacob K. Friefeld's book, The First Migrants, was announced as a finalist for a Western Writers of America book prize. The book unites Lincoln's legacies of emancipation and free land policy in the West.

Student Opportunity

The Center for Lincoln Studies supports opportunities for student-centered educational experiences through programs like The Lincoln Home National Historic Site Internships. The Center also employs a graduate research assistant who is an indispensable part of the Center's research team.

Related Degrees

History Degree (B.A., M.A.)

Explore and interpret the past with a history degree from UIS.

statue of Lincoln with the UIS Colonnade in the background

Events
No upcoming events at this time. Check back soon!
News
Sep 20, 2023
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host the 21st annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture on “Abraham Lincoln and Digital Humanities”…
Jul 31, 2023
Jacob K. Friefeld, Ph.D., has been named the director of the Center for Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield starting Aug. 16, 2023. He…
Feb 07, 2023
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies’ exhibit “Making Our History: Artists Render Lincoln’s Legacies” will be on display Feb. 10…
Sep 02, 2022
"Making Our History" Lincoln Art Exhibit in Springfield On August 11, 2022, the Center for Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield…
Jul 25, 2022
The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to announce “Making Our History: Artists Render Lincoln’s Legacies,” an innovative physical and digital art…