Celebrate a historic birthday by helping others
Lincoln Presidential Library marks Eddy Lincoln’s birthday Tuesday by offering crafts, collecting food for the needy

[March 09, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate a historic birthday March 10 by offering fun activities for children and collecting food (green food, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day) for the needy.

The 10th of every month is Family Day at the museum, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. March 10 also happens to be the birthday of Eddy Lincoln, the second son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

Museum guests will have the opportunity to hear stories about Eddy from “Mary Lincoln,” portrayed by Pam Brown. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., historian Samuel Wheeler will give a presentation about Eddy. Our children’s area, Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, will feature games and activities based on Eddy’s interests. Guests will also receive a treat from the museum’s Subway restaurant.

On top of that, the museum is collecting items for the Central Illinois Food Bank. Starting March 10 and running through the end of the month, anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will get a discount on admission or a museum membership. We’re looking for green foods – a can of peas, a box of green Jell-O, even a jar of salsa verde.

Eddy Lincoln was born in 1846 and died shortly before he turned four. He now lies with his parents at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, but his original tombstone is on display at the Lincoln Presidential Museum.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened April 19, 2005. It combines showmanship, scholarship and an unparalleled collection of Lincoln items to tell the story of America’s greatest president.

For more about the library and museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.gov.  For details on our 10th anniversary festivities, go to www.TenYears Lincoln.com.

[Chris Wills, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum]