Our next stop of the day was to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. I am not a huge fan of spending money (more than a few bucks) on family activities except in the rare case that the activity is really interactive and that quality learning ensues. The knowledge we gained and the connection we made with the Lincolns after visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum has truly changed us. I am pleased to say this is definitely worth the cost ($12 adults, $6 child 5-15 and free children under five.) because it will make Lincoln come alive in your heart. If your children pay attention as the go through the museum it can effect them in the same way.
The kids were excited that they could become a History Detective. We picked up our free booklets at the entrance to the Museum. It is a great guide to help children learn about Lincoln, his trials and triumphs along with the depth of sorrow this family experienced. We were constantly reminded of our good friends in Australia. (You can read about their struggles here and here.)
The Plaza of the museum is very spacious with access to all the different exhibits and activities. Upon entering the Plaza you see on the left the Lincoln's humble beginnings in a cabin in Kentucky and then on the right the Lincoln family standing in front of the White House. To say it is impressive is an understatement. It almost takes your breath away.
Our first stop was to eat lunch at the Subway inside the museum.
Then we headed over to Mrs. Lincoln's Attic which Delaney couldn't wait to go inside. It is a darling playroom full of Lincoln era toys and activities to do. Alyssa found the most interesting book to read while we watched the ones play to thier hearts content, Abraham Lincoln: The Boy, the Man by Lloyd Ostendorf. It is full of beautiful accounts of Abraham Lincoln's life along with beautiful artwork also by Ostendorf.
The little kids had a blast playing with the Lincoln home replica.
Delaney was so excited when she saw all the dresses in the little dress-up area. I love the stage she is in right now. She is such a little doll!
"Journey One: The Pre-Presidential Years" covers Lincoln's life from 1809-1860. No photos are allowed inside the exhibit which really bummed me out because it was impressive. At one point in the exhibit you come through doors to stand in front of the most heart-wrenching scene called The Slave Auction. It is a gripping scene where a husband and wife are being pulled apart and away from their crying son. The anguish of the scene was palpable and my children felt it deeply.
"Journey Two: The White House Years" covers Lincoln's life from 1861-1865. Again there were no photos allowed inside the exhibit. This exhibit is powerful and deserves reverence as you walk through. The most dramatic scenes are the Whispering Gallery, the Death of Willie and the Hall of Sorrows. As you walk through the Whispering Gallery you hear the vile, nasty things people sad about Lincoln. My children got really sad and then during the Death of Willie and the Hall of Sorrows we all cried. We were struck with the immensity of losing their second child in the White House. The most breath-taking scene was Lying in State. You enter a darkened room where they replicated Lincoln's casket lying in state. It wrenches at your heart as you pass by paying your own respects for such a great and honorable man. We all came out of there changed forever.
We had to take the obligatory photo with Lincoln and his family.
One of our favorite parts of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was this stunning painting The Lincoln Painting by Gregory Manchess.
His eyes are so full of emotion. I love the colors in this painting!
Across the street is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. On display was a beautiful exhibit called "Boys in Blue" which tells the story of Illinois Union soldiers during the Civil War.
Across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is Union Station Visitors Center & Park with this cool bronze statue of Lincoln. Love the quote on the pedestal of the statue.
Here is one more historic place: the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices on the corner of 6th and Adams in Springfield, IL. Lincoln practiced law in this office from 1843-1852. Hope next time we can go on a tour of it.
To put it simply it was a great day!
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