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.

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 the Association for the Study of African American Life and History's book prize. The book unites Lincoln's legacies of emancipation and free land policy in the West.

Student Opportunity

The Center for Lincoln Studies creates opportunities for student-centered educational experiences through internships and graduate assistantships. The CLS is currently working closely with local partners to create internship opportunities at historic sites.

Related Degrees

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

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


Events
No upcoming events at this time. Check back soon!
News
Jan 29, 2024
University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies Director Jacob K. Friefeld’s book, “The First Migrants: How Black Homesteaders’ Quest for Land…
Feb 02, 2024
University of Illinois Center for Lincoln Studies announced multiple significant achievements and upcoming events that will further illuminate the life and…
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…