An uneventful journey from Omaha to Springfield IL proved to be a very easy drive. Great traveling companions didn’t hurt either. It made the time go fast and we learned so much about each other.
My Questers Convention was different for my cohorts. They were all booked into a different hotel and they were able to take many planned excursions, enabling them to get the lay of the land, and the true flavor of the Land of Lincoln. I on the other hand signed up for arm chair lectures because I wasn’t sure how my leg would hold up, getting on and off a bus, and many stops over the course of the day.
I did however get to the Lincoln Presidential Museum https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. This was the first Presidential Museum I have been to, so I didn’t know what to expect. I have to say this is one of the most well thought out museums I have ever been in. Built in 2005 architecturally it takes on the best of both worlds. It is white, bright and modern with a nod to the classics. Totally approachable there are no stairs and movement thru the museum is easy and unencumbered. That is if you don’t count the hundreds of 8th graders, dodging and weaving thru every exhibit. Oh to have that kind of energy and stamina again!
Starting at a replica of the Lincoln’s Log Cabin you are amazed at how small it is. To think a family of 7 lived here. After the death of his wife Lincoln’s father left a young Abraham and his older sister to go find a replacement wife. She brought to the marriage 3 children of her own, as well as books. Though illiterate herself she encourage Abraham to learn to read. Abraham spent many nights by the fire educating himself.
Thru another doorway and down a short hall, you are thrust into the land of a southern auction block depicting an enslaved family torn apart with individuals going to different owners. The museum homes and plantations I have been recently are doing a really good job of sharing the other side of the story.
There were so many take aways. From the Lincoln Berry General Store, purchased in 1833 in New Salem IL now a historical sight.
The Lincolns decided to raise their sons with a free hand, giving the boys little discipline and letting them be children. I loved this office of Lincolns where he’s stretched out on a short sofa and the boys are throwing mud balls at each other. The office is a mess of organized chaos with the boys clearly having a blast.
As you move into the White House days you feel like you are on the outside looking in, into the daily life of the Lincoln’s. The room where Willie Lincoln died of typhoid fever in 1862. A very somber sight where Mary is trying to comfort Willie with Abraham is looking on from the door way.
The chair by the window where Mary often sat and grieved for her son.
The War Room with Lincoln’s advisors
As you pass thru a corridor you come upon all the political cartoons that were fascinating. We think politics is rough now, when you see this room you realize just how dirty politics can be. I was fascinated by this space because it felt off. I couldn’t put my finger on it right away. The prints seem to be abstract and askew at the same time. Optical illusion for sure. On closer examination I think the walls were tilted inward. As if the footprint is larger on the bottom than it is on top. Very interesting effect.
Another corridor leads you to my favorite part of the museum.
This space was spare and wonderful. Thought provoking as it is meant to be. And then things open up to a wonderful room in the round where you feel the Civil War. A mural both lovely but fascinating in its horror. Union and Confederate uniforms for different ranks of soldiers.
And of course we all know what happened next. I visited Fords Theater many years ago, as well as the house where Lincoln died.
A soon as you think you are about done you walk into this room.
The room where Lincoln’s coffin lye in state. I’m assuming this room represented the Capital Rotunda from the looks of it, but I”m not sure because of the boxes to the right. I spent quite a few minutes in this room. It was beautiful.
I almost missed the Ghosts because I was worried about missing my transportation. Then they said they would be back for us, so a couple of my new Ohio friends and I went back to watch the Ghosts. It was so amazing. I won’t tell you about it, because I don’t want to spoil it. If you ever venture to this museum, don’t miss the Ghost Theater.
My take away was surprise from the things I didn’t know about the Lincoln’s. But, also how a thoughtfully built museum can create an immersive experience. Just when you think your body won’t carry you one more step, there is a place to sit down, or a theater that you can tuck into, for a few minutes of comfort, and a fun lesson. Old or young it was created for all. Come in, let us tell you a story.
I will be back with a few more tidbits from my Springfield trip.
Happy Father’s Day to all the men in my life that I love deeply.
Thanks for stopping
Shelley
