By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com

Beginning at 1 p.m., the Grand Island Public Library will host an hourlong celebration of the work of Grace and Edith Abbott.

The sisters and Grand Island natives made significant contributions to social work education as well as children's, women's and immigrants' rights. For many, they are considered to be two of Grand Island's most famous residents.

Gov. Dave Heineman proclaimed March 20 as Abbott Sisters Day for the first time in 2002.

"It's really a day that is meant to, on a statewide basis, and especially for us in Grand Island commemorate them and the works they did in pioneering social services," said Steve Fosselman, director of the Grand Island Public Library.

During the celebration, John Sorensen of New York, a former Grand Island resident and director of the Abbott Sisters Project, will provide dramatic recitations and readings about the Abbott Sisters.

He will also provide information about the Abbott-Sudan Quilt Project, Abbott Sisters Legacy work and an upcoming NETV documentary.

In addition, the presentation will include the announcement of the establishment of the Abbott-Independent Scholarship Fund, which is being sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Social Work and The Grand Island Independent.

Abbott Sisters Day is being sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society, Abbott Sisters Project, Edith Abbott Memorial Library (Grand Island Public Library), The Grand Island Independent, University of Nebraska Foundation and University of Nebraska School of Social Work.

Fosselman said the celebration will be a time to recognize an important piece of the city's historic legacy.

"This is certainly a recognition of two people who came before us and had remarkable lives," Fosselman said. "It's a good reflection on their lives."