Park to preview new Ken Burns television series

Date: August 30, 2009
Contact: Doug Richardson, 270.358.3137

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP to Preview New Ken Burns Series

Series Highlights the Majesty of America’s National Parks

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, a special preview of the upcoming Ken Burns television documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” will be shown in the visitor center at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. This special presentation, lasting about 45 minutes, will be shown at 10:00AM and 3:00PM (ET).

The preview is of a 12-hour television documentary that will be shown on the Public Broadcasting System starting Sunday, September 27, 2009 and runs for six consecutive night. The film highlights the origins of the idea of preserving and protecting significant lands and resources for future generations. Ken Burns is known for his past award-winning documentaries on the American Civil War, the history of the West, baseball, jazz, among other fascinating topics.

The visitor center at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is open after Labor Day from 8AM to 4:45PM. In the park, visitors can learn the history of the Sinking Spring Farm, on which the 16^th President of the United States was born on February 12, 1809. Exhibits and a film in the visitor center place President Lincoln’s Kentucky years in its proper historical context.

Near the visitor center, the Memorial Building houses a traditional 19^th century cabin that symbolizes the type in which Lincoln was born. The Memorial Building, designed by noted architect John Russell Pope, was opened in 1911, and was the result of contributions of over 100,000 persons wishing to commemorate Lincoln’s life.

After September 14, 2009, the Memorial Building may be occasionally closed for a rehabilitation project to ensure its preservation. Prior to visiting, it is recommended that visitors call the park at [phone] to learn the latest closure schedule.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is located on US 31E, three miles south of Hodgenville. For more information on the park, please call [phone], or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/abli .