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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Treasure's Gallery

Examine up close a variety of artifacts from President Lincoln, his family, and the Civil War.

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Illinois Gallery

Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People's Campaign explores one of the most important grassroots movements of the civil rights era: the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968. The exhibition investigates the factors that made this movement a success: the ideas, the emotions, the people, and the place—Resurrection City. Through a moving combination of photographs, objects, video, and oral histories, it explores the significance and impact of this campaign that drew thousands of people to develop a protest community on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to call the nation's attention to the crippling effects of poverty for millions of Americans.

Exhibit Dates: May 17, 2024 – August 18, 2024

On loan from:

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Citizen City (in development)

We are developing a unique children’s exhibit experience which is ripped from the pages of graphic novels and will engage our young patrons to champion democracy and save the city. Check back for updates when this space goes live.

Learn more about Citizen City (in development)