Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Honor of Your Company Is Requested: President Lincoln's Inaugural Ball
Now – 1/18/2010
Travel back 143 years to the revelry of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball, held on March 6, 1865 in what is now the museum's historic home. 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. From pomp and politics to feasting and fights over food, this was one night destined for the history books. Charles Robertson, author of the recent book Temple of Invention: History of a National Landmark and a specialist in American decorative arts, is the guest curator of the exhibition. 
 

National Museum of American History

Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life
Now – 1/2011
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 in New Salem, Illinois, to his iconic top hat he wore the night he was shot at Ford's Theatre. Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life will tell a new and very intimate story of the nation's 16th president.
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National Postal Museum

Abraham Lincoln Certified Plate Proofs
Now – 10/2010
Eleven certified plate proofs for postage stamps honoring Abraham Lincoln will be on view in the Philatelic Gallery pullout frames at the National Postal Museum. Certified plate proofs are the last printed proof of the plate before printing the stamps. These plate proofs are each unique,with the approval signatures and date. Issued from 1894 to 1959, the stamps feature a variety of Lincoln portraits.

From Postmaster To President:
Celebrating Lincoln’s 200th Birthday Through Stamps & Postal History
Ongoing
"Before Abraham Lincoln guided the United States through the Civil War, signed the Emancipation Proclamation or delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, he was a town postmaster in New Salem, Illinois. To celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday, the National Postal Museum highlights his life in an Arago (Online) Featured Collection. Utilizing dozens of postage stamps and other postal history related objects, this online exhibit not only celebrates Lincoln's humble roots, but also the events from his first civil servant position as postmaster through his tenure as President of the United States.”

In commemoration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 1809, the Smithsonian Institution presents a yearlong celebration offering visitors a unique immersion experience and an opportunity to explore the life and times of the nation’s most mythic and transformative president. Meet world-renowned Lincoln scholars. Relive scenes from Lincoln’s second inaugural ball. Walk in his footsteps, tour city sites from the Lincoln era.

Get Ready. Plan Your Visit >>