Author: Drew Van Lahr

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum houses more than just the belongings of the former President, here you'll gain insight into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, recreations of young Lincoln's cabin home, and even “ghosts” of the past.

Abraham Lincoln Museum: Exhibits

Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy. Although sometimes lost in the tall, looming shadow of her husband, Mary Todd Lincoln led the eventful life that earned her a not-so-pristine reputation. Mother of four children, three which died before adulthood, she was known as a spend-thrift for her shopping sprees and other expenses during the poor economic time of civil strife.

Her only surviving son had her committed to an insane asylum, which she left three months later. Until October 28th, retrace Mary Todd's steps, from her days in Kentucky before she ever heard of anyone named Lincoln through her term as First Lady of the first assassinated President.

The Union Theater. Special effects are possible in the multi-venue theater that can show film features or host presentations, seminars, or other special programs. Lincoln's Eyes is the story of Lincoln and the understanding an artist, the narrator, had to gain so he could accurately paint the face and specifically the eyes of the 16th President.

Binding all the emotion of a man who was born to uneducated farmers, led the country into and out of Civil War, who at times believed himself to be a failure even after becoming President, is no easy task. Part of the show is in the display, with a state-of-the-art theater that is programmed to change sets, backdrops and projection screens automatically.

Journey One: The Pre-Presidential Years. Start off at the beginning of Lincoln 's life and follow his personal timeline to the end.  Recreations of scenes a young Abraham encountered visualize his early memories, so picturing a time almost 150 years ago doesn't leave as much to the imagination.

Visitors can see the cabin and wooded area he was raised in and go all the way to his campaign trail before entering Journey Two: The White House Years.

Chapter and Verse: Connecting to Poetry. Many of poets have come and gone through Illinois , leaving behind a fingerprint of words that can be studied for ages.

The immortal words of Carl Sandburg, who penned Chicago as “the city of big shoulders”, might ring familiar, as may Gwendolyn Brooks or Vachel Lindsay. But for each author of fame, there are an inestimable number whose work is seldom seen.

Open through September, the home-grown verses of Illinoisans are on display for everyone to appreciate instead of hiding behind the better-known.

Ghosts of the Library, presented by AT&T
Prepare to be amazed by the advances in technology as dramatic special effects produce an image that can only be called magical.

Using Holavision®, a ghostly apparition of smoke and vapor can be controlled to interact with the actor running the exhibit. With the help of corporeal people of the past, the audience gets the inside track on understanding history and the presidential archive.

While the host examines some of the historical objects in the room, more ghosts will appear, so that you connect with the people of another time by inspecting their possessions just like a true historian. 

Shopping & Dining at the Museum
Hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and beverages are served at Augie's Café, inside the Museum. The café is open for most of the day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Located at the entrance/exit of the museum, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Store is a 3,500-foot space packed with merchandise. Visitors can purchase unique replicas of artifacts stored inside or choose from a vast array items pertaining to the period: books, apparel, toys, games, and much more. More Information.