Last updated January 8, 2009 Governor Jon Corzine has appointed Dr. Michael Riccards, Executive Director for The Hall Institute of Public Policy – New Jersey, to the New Jersey Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The website address of the Commission is: http://www.lincolnbicentennialnj.info. Members of The Lincoln Association of Jersey City are participating in the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association to mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The start of the formal ceremonies will be in 2011 and continue to 2015. Unlike the American evolution, no military battles were fought here, but there were many conflicts between Abolitionists and Pro-Slavery citizens.The website for the NJCWHA is www.njcivilwar.org. Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday will be cebrated around the world on February 12, 2009. In the United States, the celebration will be accompanied by a new stamp and four new designs for the back of the penny. A National Commission has already been formed and plans are beng announced for appropriate celebrations in Illinois, Kentucky, Washington DC., and other places that have a connection with Lincoln. Here in Jersey City, there is even more to celebrate as a community. The year 2009 also marks the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson first sailing the river that bears his name and the 202nd anniversary of Robert Fulton launching his steamboat from its shore. The next year, 2010, will mark the 350th anniversary of the first permanent settlement in what is now Jersey City. Our local educational institutions (New Jersey City University, Hudson County Community College, and St. Peters College)and the Cultural Affairs Divisions of Jersey City and Hudson County have all expressed interest in participating in celebrations of these anniversaries as well as a special function for Lincoln's 200th birthday. The Lincoln Association of Jersey City is the only such organization in the State of New Jersey. This fact and the location of Jersey City makes Jersey City the ideal and appropriate place for the official celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday in the State of New Jersey. The Association will work towards that end. The Lincoln Association of Jersey City has formed committees whose task it is to properly plan for a gala 2009 for Jersey City and Abraham Lincoln. We are interested in your comments and suggestions.