Chicago, IL (August 19, 2026) – The Lincoln Presidential Foundation (“Foundation”) has been awarded a competitive Exhibitions: Planning grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support development of a new traveling exhibit, Conceived in Liberty: Lincoln and the Founders. The exhibit will explore how the ideals of the American Revolution influenced Abraham Lincoln’s ideas and leadership throughout his career.
Just before assuming the presidency in 1861, Lincoln told a crowd at Independence Hall, “I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.” Drawing on Lincoln’s speeches, writings, and public life, the exhibit will examine how he returned to those principles of liberty, equality, and self-government throughout his career and how those ideas helped shape American life today.
“We are grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities for supporting the planning of this new exhibit,” said Erin Carlson Mast, President & CEO of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation “It builds on what we’ve created for the public in the 250th anniversary year while exploring a subject of enduring significance.”
The project builds on the Foundation’s newest original documentary series, “Conceived in Liberty: Lincoln and the American Experiment,” which premiered during the nation’s 250th anniversary year. Designed as a flexible, low-footprint exhibit, Conceived in Liberty: Lincoln and the Founders is intended to travel to communities across the country, reaching audiences through libraries, museums, community centers and other public spaces. Together, these efforts aim to expand public engagement with Lincoln’s life, leadership, and enduring influence on American democracy.
“Grants from the National Endowment support organizations and scholars working to illuminate and educate about the great ideas and events of the past,” said NEH Acting Chairman William English. “As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this year, NEH is proud to help foster robust public engagement with our national history, ideals, and intellectual achievements through funding for an array of exhibitions, preservation projects, books, education initiatives, and advanced research.”
About Lincoln Presidential Foundation
Established in 2000, the Lincoln Presidential Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity headquartered in Illinois. It is the only national foundation focused on increasing access to history, educational programs, exhibits, and sites highlighting the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The Foundation does its work in cooperation and partnership with others locally, nationally, and globally. Its vision is a world where freedom and democracy flourish, inspired by the life and work of Abraham Lincoln. Learn more at lincolnpresidential.org.
About National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at neh.gov.