Monday, April 4 – Don't miss this Presidential Library and Museum. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, is a MUST see. It is for sure the best Presidential Library and Museum we've visited.
We started our day at the Springfield Visitor's Center. We suggest this stop, if for no other reason, you can get a coupon for a discount at the Lincoln Library and Museum. $16 for both of us rather than the usual $24. Nice deal! We also received a free parking pass to use on a majority of the parking meters any where in Springfield during our visit. Along with numerous pamphlets and great visitor advice this was a bonus stop.
We then walked just up the street to the Presidential Library and Museum. We were greeted by a volunteer that explained the Library and suggested how best to see the five areas in the building. We started with the two movies which were amazing by themselves. We were also told where we could and could not take photos. No photos in the two movies is allowed.
The first movie, “Ghosts of the Library,” is a magical presentation explaining why it is important to “save all this stuff.” The historian in the movie is joined by ghosts of Civil War soldiers and even Abraham Lincoln to reveal why history matters. We don't want to be a “spoiler” so be sure to see this movie....the end will thrill you!
The second movie, “Lincoln's Eyes,” is a multi-screened presentation viewing the Civil War through Lincoln's eyes. Unexpected special effects will put you in the center of dramatic moments in history. Awesome!
We then visited the first area of the Library – the Log Cabin. This area informs visitors about Lincoln’s boyhood life where his dream began. It follows him along his path from store clerk, to husband and father, to lawyer, and to politician.
Remember…you can click on any photo to enlarge it.
One-room cabin is where Lincoln grew up.
Abe during his courting years with Mary.
Mary's Blue Room explains how Mary Lincoln helped her husband's career and the glamour and challenge of life in the Executive Mansion. This scene also introduces you to the great crises that affected her and the nation: fighting a war, ending slavery, and unexpected deaths.
The War Gallery is the stirring events affecting Lincoln during the Civil War. Just to see how Abraham Lincoln aged during this time period explains the suffering this man endured during his presidency. This section is very moving and nearly brought us to tears!
When Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet.
They were not very happy.
You can see how much Mr. Lincoln aged over a very short time.
John Wilkes Booth entering President Lincoln’s box at the Ford’s Theater.
What it looked like when Mr. Lincoln was lying in state.
The Treasure Gallery is a display of dozens of original artifacts of the Lincolns and their contemporaries. The softly lit, changing display included his stovepipe hat, Mary's letters and jewels, the Gettysburg Address, and more. We were delighted in viewing Lincoln's stovepipe hat, where we saw the hat was worn away by Lincoln's fingers as he tipped his hat to the ladies. Pretty amazing! No photos permitted.
We really enjoyed the Museum and strongly urge you to visit if near Springfield, IL. Please allow at least three hours to see the Museum. You'll need every bit of that time and maybe more!
Guess we shouldn’t have smiled. No one else did.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
