Sunday, July 21, 2019
The Presidential Museum opened in 2005.
The Lincoln Douglas debates
The only known document to bear the signatures of both Lincoln and Douglas.
The original tombstone of their dear son Eddy who died at Age 3 of tuberculosis in 1850.
The Lincolns in the White House.
Lincoln's cabinet
Mary and her dressmaker and confidante, Elizabeth Keckly (I had appreciation for this because I just finished reading Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker)
Lincoln's portrait when he entered the White House....
And just a few years later after leading this country through four years of Civil War. So sobering to so tangibly see the toll it took on this great man.
And when he finally succeeded in seeing our country through it's most tumultuous of times..... he was assassinated, the first American President to which this happened.
Within walking distance (or a very short drive) of the Museum, is the only home where Lincoln ever lived. You can take tours of the home. They last about 15-20 minutes and are free of charge. However, you need tickets. Groups are maxed out at 15 people. Tickets are only given out in person and only for the day of the tour you are taking; they cannot be reserved in advance.
His door.
Me at his front door.
The law office where he worked.
The Old State Capitol.
The "House Divided" speech was given here. He also lay in state here after his assassination at the age of 56.
I also went to the Train Depot where he gave his Farewell address in February 1861 as he left for the White House to assume the Presidency. He never returned during his lifetime.
The church the Lincoln's attended (currently closed for renovations)
And his tombstone, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
His wife and three of his four sons are here as well.
Verdict: Unequivocally Yes! This was left out of the first book, but Ms. Schultz got it right by adding it to the 2nd Edition! The Museum is SO well done. My friend (Age 42) commented that it was quite possibly the best museum she's ever seen. There are two "movies" and both are absolutely fabulous. The pre-White House area and the White House area are both incredible. I would allow a bare minimum of two hours to do this museum. Cost: $15 for adults. There are discounts for students, children, seniors and military. Worth every penny!
I will say that Springfield itself is nothing to write home about. Many areas of the city seemed run down, with cracks in the roads and sidewalks and plants growing through. There were many run down homes and poverty-stricken areas, homeless people, etc. HOWEVER, the Lincoln sights (all of them! but the museum in particular!) were absolutely incredible. I'm not sure everyone in the world would consider this a "must do". But every American should!
