DC Celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial
In celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday, the Smithsonian Institution is presenting a year-long slate of unique exhibits and events. Described as an “immersion experience,” the opportunities for visitors to explore t
he life and times of America’s “mythic and transformative” 16th President are unprecedented: lectures with world-renown Lincoln scholars, a reenactment of Lincoln’s second inaugural ball, hundreds of documents and mementos from his life and years in office, and even an online conference.
Selected exhibits and events around the city include:
The Life of Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life
National Museum of American History ~ Now through January 2011 The life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln is brought to light for the first time ever with a re-examination of the unique and unparalleled collection of Lincoln artifacts and memorabilia held by the National Museum of American History. Each highlighted object will be augmented with personal stories told by Lincoln and the people who knew him best. The exhibition will showcase more than 60 historical treasures associated with Lincoln’s life from an iron wedge he used to split wood in the early 1830s, to his iconic top hat he wore the night he was shot at Ford’s Theatre.
National Portrait Gallery ~ Now through 5 July, 2009
This exhibit is an examination of Lincoln’s use of the era’s new art of photography to convey his image to Americans. Drawing on the museum’s extensive collection of Lincoln portraits—an archive that charts Lincoln’s passage from a fresh-faced Illinois congressman to his grizzled presidential visage—visitors will ponder the many dimensions of the 16th president.
Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
National Museum of American History ~ Now through April 2009
This collection features ten rare and important documents on loan from the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. These documents have become the cornerstone of current thinking on Lincoln and his legacy and include a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball
The Honor of Your Company Is Requested: President Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball
Smithsonian American Art Museum ~ Now through 18 January, 2010
Travel back 143 years to the revelry of Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural ball, held on March 6, 1865. The ball took place as Lincoln’s second term began, with the Civil War in its final stages, and only six weeks before Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre nearby. The exhibition, which relates the ball to the building and its history, features ephemera from the inaugural ball, including the invitation and menu as well as engravings illustrating the night’s events and other artifacts.
Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball Reenactment
Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum ~ 31 January, 2009, Noon, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
The Smithsonian American Art Museum announces the return engagement of the nationally acclaimed Victorian Dance Ensemble in the Kogod Courtyard at the Reynolds Center. Back by popular demand, the museum once again re-creates Lincoln’s second inaugural ball—one of the most memorable inaugural events to take place in the historic building. Dressed in period costumes and trained in the prevailing cultural traditions, the Ensemble takes visitors back in time to a period marked by grace and elegance.
President Lincoln Invites You to His Second Inaugural Dinner
The Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW ~ 6 March, 2009, 6:30pm
Ticket prices: Members: $130 / General Admission: $165 / Not available online, please call: 202 633-3030
The Smithsonian Associates program presents selections from Lincoln’s second Inaugural Dinner menu. The Willard InterContinental Hotel, where Lincoln stayed before his first inauguration, hosts the dinner and Lincoln re-enactor, James Getty, provides after-dinner remarks in his portrayal of the President.
Lincoln the Lawyer
Abraham Lincoln, Esquire
S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW ~ 25 April, 2009, 9:30am – 4:15pm
Tickets prices: Resident Members: $85 / Senior Members: $77 / General Admission: $120
Twenty-six of America’s 44 presidents have been lawyers. Abraham Lincoln was admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1836, and he practiced law there until he moved to the White House in 1861. Join attorney and scholar Arthur T. Downey for this day-long seminar, sponsored by the Smithsonian Associates, and explore Lincoln’s law practice and some of the fundamental legal issues he had to resolve as president.
Online Conference on Lincoln
Free Conference on Abraham Lincoln
4 and 5 February, 2009, 10:00am – 5:00pm each day
Join the Smithsonian Institution’s first online education conference and explore fascinating aspects of the life and death of one of our nation’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. In this innovative online format, developed by the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies, interact in real-time with Smithsonian experts and connect with hundreds of fellow participants. See and hear live presentations, take part in a moderated Q&A forum, and exchange ideas with a community of learners. It’s a special behind-the-scenes look into the Smithsonian’s collections of artifacts, artworks, and documents, from the perspectives of history, science, and art. Registration for the conference is free and open to everyone. Sessions will be archived for later viewing. The first 100 registrants will receive a free teaching poster and a special Smithsonian lesson plan, Lincoln in Richmond.
The United States may celebrate Presidents’ Day on 16 February, 2009, but in DC, we’ll be celebrating a Lincoln Year!
Sounds like some really imaginative ways to present history here!