Loading Poll...Riccards Unveils Lincoln Plaque at NJ State House
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(TRENTON) -- At the New Jersey State House today, Hall Institute Executive Director Michael P. Riccards unveiled a commemorative plaque in honor of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday.
The plaque, mounted on a wall outside the Governor’s Office, was commissioned by the New Jersey Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Riccards, a presidential scholar, had served as chairman of the commission.
The unveiling was part of an event commemorating the historic visit Lincoln made to Trenton in 1861 while traveling to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration.
On February 21, 1861, Lincoln spoke to the state Senate, alluded to New Jersey’s important role in the Revolution, and reaffirmed his determination to preserve the Union. He then crossed over to the Assembly chamber and delivered another speech, stating that he was devoted to peace, but would put his foot down firmly if necessary -- to which there was much applause.
Today’s event at the State House began with remarks from historian David Martin and included readings by well-known Lincoln portrayer Bob Costello of the two historic speeches Lincoln delivered to New Jersey lawmakers.
A second event took place in the State Museum Auditorium. Participants included Costello and Bruce Sirak of the Camp Olden Civil War Round Table, who portrayed New Jersey Civil War governor Charles Olden. In addition, Martin and Peter Mazzei of the state Office of Legislative Services will spoke on the historical importance of the 1861 Lincoln visit.
The events were sponsored by the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, in conjunction with the New Jersey Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, the New Jersey State Archives, the New Jersey State Museum, the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services and the Hall Institute.
An exhibit of documents featuring original manuscripts relating to Lincoln’s visit (and the election of 1860) will be on display in the State House rotunda from February 14 through March 11. The exhibit will include a letter signed by the President-elect accepting the invitation to visit Trenton. The New Jersey Office of Legislative Services created the exhibit in collaboration with the New Jersey State Archives and the New Jersey State Museum.
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