Lincoln Heritage Museum helps young local children in celebrating Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

[February 11, 2017]  LINCOLN - On Wednesday, February 08, 2017, the preschool classes at Christian Child Care had a special visit from Mary Todd Lincoln, their mystery reader for the month.

CCC director Liberty Canady said, “We have mystery readers come to the day care almost every month. We try to have the community involved as much as possible.” Canady said, “The Lincoln Heritage Museum called us about coming to read.”

Anne Moseley, the museum’s assistant director and curator, portrayed Mrs. Lincoln and was dressed in full history garb.

In both classes, Mrs. Lincoln introduced herself as Abraham Lincoln’s wife and shared some fun history with the children.

For instance, Mrs. Lincoln told the children that Mr. Lincoln stored papers in his top hat and had to make sure they did not fall out

Mrs. Lincoln read Where’s Abe? to the Panda class and on each page of the book, the children were able to find and point out Lincoln in various historical places associated with him. Some of the children said they had seen Lincoln’s statue at the presidential museum.

Mrs. Lincoln asked where they would take Abraham Lincoln if they could spend time with him. Most of them said they would want to take him to the park.

Mrs. Lincoln asked the children what to get Mr. Lincoln for his birthday and they said, a “ telescope,” “books,” “puzzles,” or a “jet pack.” One of the children offered to decorate cookies and a cake for his birthday.

Mrs. Lincoln also asked the children to color pictures for his birthday.

In the Monkey class, Mrs. Lincoln asked the children to introduce themselves. The children told her they really liked her dress and her bonnet.

Mrs. Lincoln asked if any of them had been to her house in Springfield, but none had visited it yet. She told them how her sons like to climb trees at the house.

Mrs. Lincoln told them her son, Tad, had been given that name because he looked like a tadpole when he was little.

The Monkeys were able to point out Lincoln in all the places he appeared in Where’s Abe? She also read them the book Looking at Lincoln, which was written by a little girl and told about his early life and presidency.

Mrs. Lincoln said when Abraham Lincoln wore his top hat, he was seven feet tall. She told the children they could write their own stories about Lincoln.

Mrs. Lincoln said the family had a dog and two cats, and she learned that some of the children have dogs and cats, too.

Mrs. Lincoln asked the children to help plan her husband’s birthday and wanted to know what to get him. They thought he might like a hat, drums, or an apple for a birthday present.

Both classes planned to make birthday cards for Mr. Lincoln. The children enjoyed hearing the stories of Abraham Lincoln’s life.

[Angela Reiners]