Watch Prelude to the Presidency – Lincoln’s formative Illinois years

As America prepares to observe Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, a new film underwritten by COUNTRY Financial will show how he became one of the most important figures in American history.

“Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency” will air on WILL TV, Urbana (Ill.) on Monday, Feb.9 at 8 p.m. Central Time and appear on PBS stations across the country all week.

The film highlights Lincoln’s formative years as a lawyer and speaker in Central Illinois, which is also the location of the COUNTRY Home Offices. Reenactments and expert interviews help tell the story of this important time in Lincoln’s life when he earned recognition and shaped the beliefs and values he would later use as president.

“COUNTRY is proud to play a role in marking the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday,” says Doyle Williams, chief marketing officer for COUNTRY. “We invite the public to watch this film and learn how this man went from a small town in Illinois to become one of the most important figures in American History.”

About two dozen PBS stations across the country will broadcast the film within the next week to mark Lincoln’s birthday (Feb.12) and Presidents Day (Feb. 16).

With contributions from some of my favorites
Several of my favorite Lincoln experts were involved with this film. My fellow McLean County Lincoln buff, the guy who surely knows more about the Lincoln and the Eighth Judicial Circuit than anyone, was the production subject matter expert. Guy is writing a book on the Lincoln's ciruit riding days, and you can bet you’ll read all about it here when it’s out.

If I’m understanding the information on the film’s website correctly, several Lincoln scholars are also featured. I had a chance to visit with two of them today – the always entertaining, recently retired Chief Justice Frank J. Williams and the gracious and delightful Edna Greene Medford. Also featured are Byron Andreasen, Orville Vernon Burton, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Wayne Temple.

Dates and times – Check your local listing
These are the dates and times I was able to obtain for various showings across the country. Please check your local listing to make sure of the correct date and time for the PBS station near you.

• Arizona (KUAT) - Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm
• Atlanta (PBA) - Feb. 12 at 9:30 p.m.
• Boston (WGBH) - Feb. 12 at 10:00 pm, repeated 3:00 am
• Bowling Green, Ohio (WBGU) - Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
• Carbondale (WSIU) Feb. 10 at 9 p.m.
• Charleston (WEIU) Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
• Chicago (WTTW) - Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm
• Chicago (WYCC) - Feb. 15 at 8:00 pm
• Columbus (WOSU) - Feb. 15 at 12:30 PM
• Detroit PTV - Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm
• Fresno (KVPT) - Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm
• Idaho Public Television - Feb. 10 at 9 p.m.
• Indianapolis (WFYI) - Feb. 12 at 9 p.m.
• Los Angeles (KCETWorld) - Feb.10 at 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 12 a.m.
• Milwaukee (MPTV, Channel 10) - Mar. 10 at 7:00 pm
• New Hampshire PTV - Feb. 12 at 11:30 pm
• Orlando (WMFE) - Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm
• Pittsburgh (WQED) - Feb. 11 at 8:00 pm
• Rocky Mountain PBS - Feb. 11 at 7:00 pm
• San Bernardino (KVCR) - Feb. 17 at 9:00 pm
• Springfield (WSEC) Feb. 10 at 9 p.m.
• Utah Educational Network - Feb. 11 at 9:00 pm, repeated Sunday at 2:00 am
• Tampa, FL (WUSF) - Feb. 11 at 10 p.m.

I'm looking forward to watching this - hope you are too!