Lincoln bicentennial programs planned

WASHINGTON - Many states have established Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commissions to celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday in 2009.

Washington, D.C., plans more than 80 exhibits from January through the end of April, including a re-enactment of Lincoln's second inaugural ball Jan. 31 in the historic building that now houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.

Nearly a dozen cities plan to host forums on race and equality, including D.C., Baltimore, Chicago and Philadelphia. For information, visit www.lincolnindc.com and the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, www.abrahamlincoln200.org.