Museum

Journey 1

Explore Abraham Lincoln’s early life from his boyhood in a Kentucky cabin through his 1860 campaign for President of the United States.

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Journey 2

Abraham Lincoln achieved what many men only dreamed of when he won the presidency in 1860. But the country was in crisis—the Civil War would begin just weeks after his inauguration, and Lincoln would wrestle with the human toll of battle and of slavery. Family tragedy struck as well, with the death of son Willie in 1862. Cruel personal and political attacks that greeted the Lincolns when they arrived in Washington, D.C., gave way to an outpouring of grief following his assassination on April 14, 1865. Somber scenes of mourning give way to consideration of Lincoln’s powerful hold on Americans.

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Treasures Gallery

A curated selection of objects highlighting the everyday individuals and communities who have shaped the American story – offering snapshots of service, resilience, and civic life across time.

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The Illinois Gallery - Rotating Exhibit

The Second American Revolution

Run Dates: June 5, 2026 – January 17, 2027

Examine how the Civil War and Reconstruction transformed the United States, turning a struggle to preserve the Union into a fight to redefine freedom and citizenship. Part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit features artifacts from our collection, including a signed copy of the 13th Amendment, and explores how the promises of equality have continued to shape the American story.

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Community Case – Rotating Exhibit

Petersburg, IL Circus History

Located in the Ghost Show Queue area.

Run Dates: June 10, 2026 – December 7, 2026

This exhibit highlights the unique history of Petersburg, IL where a winter circus staged in a ring barn began a generational culture of performers, stagehands and animals. Descendants of these circus people are still in the area and are active in preserving its history and legacy.

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West Corridor

The Orpheum Theater in Springfield

Run Dates: June 10, 2026 – October 5, 2026

For 38 years, Springfield’s Orpheum Theater served as a cultural hub for Sangamon County, welcoming vaudeville acts, films, local performers and nationally known entertainers to its stage. This new display features rare publicity photographs from the Herbert Georg Studio, a Springfield commercial photography business that documented local life for nearly 50 years. Although most of the studio’s negatives were destroyed in a devastating 1980 fire, approximately 9,000 survived. 

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Citizen City (in development)

We are developing a unique children’s exhibit space which will be a wonderful immersive experience for our young patrons. Citizen City is a place where kids have fun while learning what it means to be a “good citizen.” Citizen City has neighborhoods, parks, city center and other dynamic spaces to get a “hands-on” experience for children and their families.

Learn more about Citizen City (in development)