Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum, Springfield, Illinois, May 20,2013

After completing the tour of Abraham Lincoln's New Salem State Historical Site I drove back to Springfield, Illinois to find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum, 212 North Sixth Street between 6th and 7th Street. This site is made up of two buildings located across the street from each other. The library opened in October 2004 has 12 million documents, book, and other items relating to area of Illinois history. The museum opened in April 2005 claims to combine scholarship and showmanship to communicate the times and life of Lincoln. Areas are Mrs. Lincoln's attic where children can try on clothing, build a log cabin, and enjoy other activity to involve them personally in the Lincoln story. Next is The Journey Part 1 in which you enter the nineteenth century through a log cabin to see Lincoln's early life on the frontier. Next is the Journey Part II which is the story of Lincoln's White House years. There is an interactive theater that permits persons to ask Mr. Lincoln question and get the answer in his own words. There is also the Illinois Gallery with changing exhibits, the Treasure Gallery that displays actual Lincoln items and The Union Theater a special effects theater featuring Lincoln's eyes. I did not go through the library but instead choose to go to the museum.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. Both Are he Same Appearance On The Outside.

Statues Of Lincoln Family In Rotunda Of Museum. People huddle Around

 It To Get Their Picture With The Lincoln Family

Model Of Lincoln's Log Cabin In The Rotunda Of The Museum

Article About Lincoln Log Cabin

The above map indicates the following about Lincoln and his family'

In 1809 - Abe was born on Nole Creek near Hodgenville, Kentucky

In 1811 - Abe's family moved to Knob Creek, Kentucky

In 1812 - A brother Thomas was born but died in infancy

In 1815 - Abe briefly attended a log cabin school with his sister Sarah

In 1816 -  Abe almost drown ( No Details Given )

In 1816 - Abe's family moved to a one room cabin near Little Pigeon Creek, Indiana

In 1818 - Abe is kicked in the head by a horse and " apparently died for a time". No Details Given.

In 1818 - Abe's mother dies

Article About Lincoln And Seeing Him In The Museum

The Rotunda area of the Museum is the only area where you are allowed to take photograph because so much of the material is copyrighted. Hum. Kind of make you wonder about its authenticity doesn't it. A few blocks from the museum is the Abraham Lincoln Home National Historical Site, 413 South Eighth Street, Springfield, Illinois so that is the next stop.

Welcome Sign

Lincoln Home

Lincoln's Political Campaign Photograph

History Of Lincoln Home As It Becomes A Shrine

Lincoln's Home And Crowd In Front Of It

Information About Lincoln Home Tour Which Can Only Be Taken With A Tour Guide. 

Tours For The est Of The Day Were Already Sold Out. 

Lincoln Home With Tour Group Waiting For Their Time To Start

Well this just about completes my tour of Lincoln site in and around Springfield, Illinois. There are a couple of other places but I decided they would not be worth the effort especially considering the lateness of the day. Looking back on the day I will have to say The Lincoln Museum here in Springfield was a major disappointment and a major opportunity for the state which runs the facility to make a lot of money. For me the New Salem site I visited this morning was much better. My plans call for me to head off to Indiana to visit a couple of President Benjamin Harrison site but I am still concerned about the bad weather west of where I am so I will drive on and find a place to spend the night. Weather forecast is for a stormy night to the west and closer to my location.

Remember as I always say God Loves you and so do I.

Grandpa Bill