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See This Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit

Abraham Lincoln is coming to the Wisconsin Historical Museum. This traveling, learning-station exhibit is being displayed in 40 public libraries and historical societies over the next two years, but the Wisconsin Historical Museum is the only Wisconsin venue that will host the world-class exhibit. It opens to the public on Saturday, July 18, and will be on display on the museum's first floor through Thursday, August 13.

Lincoln Described as a "Self-Made Man"

"The Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America exhibit was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of America's greatest president by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum," said Illinois State Historian Thomas Schwartz. "Abraham Lincoln, the son of a subsistence farmer, came of age during a dramatic transformation in America's economic life. Like many of his contemporaries, he embraced a new emphasis on personal initiative, risk taking and ambition. He was only 22 when he left his family home to find his own way," said Schwartz. "After enduring a series of personal failures in business, he became a prosperous attorney, devoted husband and father, successful politician and, finally, the 16th president of the United States. While Lincoln benefited from close association with a number of powerful friends, his own talents and ambitions combined with hard work and a dedication to self-improvement to produce a unique American specimen — the self-made man."

Artifacts Document Lincoln's Arduous Journey

The exhibit features seven learning stations that cover Lincoln's childhood, his self-education, his careers as a surveyor and lawyer, his family life, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 13th Amendment, the Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination, and other important periods and events in his life. The reproduction artifacts on display, all modeled from originals in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, include: Lincoln's favorite books; his son Tad's toy cannon; the nameplate from his Springfield home; his stovepipe hat, which he used like a briefcase to hold important papers; a presidential campaign banner; an axe that Lincoln used to chop wood; the bloody gloves found in Lincoln's pocket the night of his assassination; and many other unique and interesting items.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is also displaying some of its Lincoln-related objects during this time. Such things as Lincoln campaign flags, casts of Lincoln's hands, and other memorabilia can be found on the museum's first floor. Lincoln's shawl, a purported deathbed bedspread, a speech written by Lincoln in 1859, and more can be found in the fourth-floor exhibit Odd Wisconsin.

Thanks to Our Benefactors

The We, the People program of the National Endowment for the Humanities provided major financial support for the exhibition and accompanying programs. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and The History Channel provided additional financial and in-kind support. A gift from the Madison Trust of the Brittingham Fund has made it possible to display the exhibit in Wisconsin and provide local programming.

Opening Reception on Saturday, July 18

For complete details on admission, location and contact information, see the museum's visitor information section.

:: Posted July 16, 2009