To celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 1809, the
Smithsonian Institution is presenting opportunities to explore the life and
times of the nation’s most mythic and transformative president. The Smithsonian’s
yearlong lineup of Lincoln-centric programs is part of an abundance of activities,
programs, and events being planned at the city, state, and federal level to
honor the Great Emancipator’s life. The Smithsonian Associates’ programs
include lectures by Lincoln scholars, a re-creation of Lincoln’s second
inaugural dinner, and several local tours of sites that played important roles
in the president’s life.
For more information about bicentennial exhibitions and other events
beyond those listed below, visit www.gosmithsonian.com/lincoln.
President-Elect
Abraham Lincoln: Determination and Leadership
Wed., Jan. 28, 6:45 p.m.
Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer recasts Lincoln during
the great secession winter of 1861, from an isolated prairie politician
yet to demonstrate his greatness to a skillful shaper of men and opinion
and an immovable friend of freedom at a decisive moment.
Mr. Lincoln at Harpers Ferry & Antietam
Sun., March 8, 8 a.m.
During one of his most important trips out of Washington during the
war, President Lincoln traveled to Harpers Ferry and Antietam to visit
the Army of the Potomac during the first week of October 1862. Many
of the sights of Lincoln’s time remain at both Antietam and Harpers
Ferry. You can see them and learn about them on this full-day study tour
with historian
Ed Bearss.
Mr. Lincoln’s November 1863 Trip to Gettysburg
Sun., March 29, 8 a.m.
Invited to make a few remarks at the dedication of the Soldiers National
Cemetery, President Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg on Nov. 18, 1863. Although
he spent less than 24 hours in Gettysburg, this turned out to be one of
the most important trips he would make. In that short time he gave his
historic speech, the Gettysburg Address, consisting of fewer than 280
words and delivered in a little over 2 minutes.
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Sat., April 11, 10 a.m.
One hundred forty-three years after President Lincoln was assassinated,
take a walk that commemorates one of the saddest moments in American history.
From the White House, where Lincoln gave his last speech, to the posh
Lafayette Square homes of the army major who struggled with the assassin
and the secretary of state who was stabbed by a co-conspirator, the walk
continues to the replica of the church where Lincoln worshipped.
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Sat., April 11, 2 p.m.
One hundred forty-three years after President Lincoln was assassinated,
take a walk that commemorates one of the saddest moments in American history.
From the White House, where Lincoln gave his last speech, to the posh
Lafayette Square homes of the army major who struggled with the assassin
and the secretary of state who was stabbed by a co-conspirator, the walk
continues to the replica of the church where Lincoln worshipped.
Mr.
Lincoln’s Civil and Political Washington
Sun., April 19, 8 a.m.
For some 50 months, Washington, D.C., was Mr. Lincoln’s home.
Sites in the city intimately associated with the President and his
family abound, and seeing them adds to our appreciation for the man.
Join historian Ed Bearss on a closer look at Lincoln
through a full-day exploration of the city and its environs.
Abraham
Lincoln, Esquire
Sat., April 25, 10 a.m.
Scholar Arthur T. Downey explores Abraham Lincoln's
law practice and some of the fundamental issues he had to resolve
as President. Also considered are the many constitutional questions
created by the crisis of the Civil War.
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Sat., April 26, 10 a.m.
One hundred forty-three years after President Lincoln was assassinated,
take a walk that commemorates one of the saddest moments in American history.
From the White House, where Lincoln gave his last speech, to the posh
Lafayette Square homes of the army major who struggled with the assassin
and the secretary of state who was stabbed by a co-conspirator, the walk
continues to the replica of the church where Lincoln worshipped.
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Sat., April 26, 2 p.m.
One hundred forty-three years after President Lincoln was assassinated,
take a walk that commemorates one of the saddest moments in American history.
From the White House, where Lincoln gave his last speech, to the posh
Lafayette Square homes of the army major who struggled with the assassin
and the secretary of state who was stabbed by a co-conspirator, the walk
continues to the replica of the church where Lincoln worshipped.
Booth’s Escape Route
Fri., May 15, 8 a.m.
Fleeing Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John
Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days
later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. Civil War authority
Ed Bearss retraces Booth’s escape route and reveals the personalities
and intrigues surrounding the assassination.
Booth’s
Escape Route
Sat., June 7, 8 a.m.
Fleeing Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John
Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few
days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. Civil War
authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth’s escape
route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the
assassination.