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New York, NY (June 5, 2009): Was Abraham Lincoln a true abolitionist who deserves the title of “The Great Emancipator?” Did he go too far in restricting civil liberties during the Civil War?
Those were the core questions debated at the First Annual Gilder Lehrman Student Symposium, “Debating Lincoln’s Greatness,” held Friday, June 5, 2009, in the Lovinger Theater at Lehman College, CUNY.
Students from seven Gilder Lehrman history high schools examined the life, politics, and legacy of the 16th President, debating Lincoln’s most controversial views and actions. An opportunity for the students to access Gilder Lehrman’s vast document collection, the event coincides with the celebration of the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial year.
“It’s moving to see these students in action: their eloquence, passion and love of American history,” said Dr. James Basker, President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI). “I foresee great futures for all of them.”
Gilder Lehrman history schools are rigorous, college-preparatory schools centered on American history. They have a track record of raising test scores and sending more than 90 percent of graduating seniors to college.
Five schools took part in each debate, with one serving as the introduction team. Two paired schools worked together to prepare both the affirmative and negative sides of the debate. Students participated in two debates, focusing on Lincoln’s views on abolition and civil liberties.
A student panel was also convened to discuss the connections made between Lincoln and President Barack Obama. The student panel examined similarities in their previous experience, paths to the presidency, tone of the country when they took office and oratorical skills.
For over five months students prepared for the debates and panel discussion. Students filled the roles of master of ceremony and moderators of each debate.
“These high school students have been energized by the election of President Obama,” said Dr. Basker, who moderated the panel. “That Lincoln and Obama represented major water sheds in the history of race relations in America makes today’s panel discussion all the more meaningful.”
Prior to the debates, Professor Mathew Pinsker, Dickinson College, presented on the topic of Lincoln as a private citizen. Pinsker encouraged student interaction and questioning and helped to facilitate the two debates later in the day.
The day-long event was hosted by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI) with the High School of American Studies at Lehman College and the Academy of American Studies in Long Island City.
Participating schools included the High School of American Studies at Lehman College in the Bronx, a gold medal recipient from the US News and World Report, the Academy of American Studies in Long Island City, the Gilder Lehrman flagship school founded in 1996 and the first history high school in the nation and a Silver Medal recipient from US News and World Report, All Hallows High School in the Bronx, named one of the top 50 Catholic schools in the U.S., Constitution High School in Philadelphia, founded by Gilder Lehrman school in conjunction with the National Constitution Center and Ballard Spahr law firm, Midwood High School in Brooklyn, a Gilder Lehrman high school that emphasizes the study of American and urban history, Notre Dame School of New York, an all-girls Catholic school associated with Gilder Lehrman since 1998, and Patchogue-Medford High School of Medford, New York, a Gilder Lehrman school on Long Island emphasizing four years of American history.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History supports forty schools and programs dedicated to the study of American history. In addition, the Institute offers teacher summer seminar and staff developmental workshops. With an extensive primary document collection, promoting the study and love of American history, the Gilder Lehrman Institute serves teachers, students, scholars and the general public. The Institute maintains two websites, www.gilderlehrman.org and the quarterly online journal www.historynow.org .
Photographs are available upon request. Please contact Chelsea Van der Gaag. VanderGaag@gilderlehrman.org or 646-366-9666 x11.
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