The Illinois Humanities Council announces a special edition of its banner program, The IHC Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, for 2008-2009 with a roster of traveling scholars for Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Bicentennial commemorations

CHICAGO — Looking for new ways to enrich the lives of community members? Need to round out an existing panel of scholars or experts, but not sure where to look? Want to connect your community to the Lincoln-Douglas Sesquicentennial or the Lincoln Bicentennial, but not sure how? The Illinois Humanities Council’s Road Scholars Speakers Bureau program supplies easy solutions to these problems by providing non-profit organizations the opportunity to offer high quality, public humanities programs free to local audiences. A special edition of the bureau, the IHC Lincoln Road Scholars, is now available for 2008-2009.

For more information on the IHC Lincoln Road Scholars, including a list of speakers and descriptions of their presentations, or to apply for an IHC Lincoln Road Scholar to visit your community, call 312.422.5580 or visit www.prairie.org/RoadScholars.

In response to a growing need for high-quality programming to encourage reflection and discussion of the 150th anniversary of the Abraham Lincoln – Stephen Douglas debates in 2008, and the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 2009, the IHC has recruited new traveling speakers, thanks in large part to a grant made possible by the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

The IHC Road Scholars program encourages Illinoisans to reflect upon the human condition from a range of perspectives, providing a distinctive forum for discussion and dialogue. “IHC Lincoln Road Scholars will offer fresh perspectives on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, the society in which he lived, and the ways in which a grateful nation has commemorated both his presidency and his humanity,” said Kristina Valaitis, IHC Executive Director.

Any non-profit organization in Illinois is invited to utilize the IHC Lincoln Road Scholars, but the special edition of the bureau primarily targets organizations in Illinois communities of 2,500 population or less. Organizations within these smaller communities may apply for an IHC Lincoln Road Scholar free of charge. Organizations in larger communities may apply, but must provide the standard $50 processing fee per application.

The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Organized as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973, the IHC is now a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization that is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; by the Illinois General Assembly; and by the NEH.

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