There’s no place like (Lincoln’s) home
On May 2, Lincoln Presidential Library celebrates 175th anniversary of Lincoln buying his only home
 

[April 27, 2019]    Abraham Lincoln achieved a big piece of the American dream when he bought the only home he would ever own. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate the 175th anniversary of that event May 2 with a special display of artifacts and free admission to our first 175 guests.

The artifacts include an original key to the home, the “A. Lincoln” nameplate that once appeared on its door and documents such as the deed of sale that Lincoln signed on May 2, 1844. Historic interpreters will also be on hand to talk to guests.

Free admission for the first 175 people is made possible by the generous support of Illinois REALTORS®. All licensed Realtors with proper identification can visit the Lincoln museum free on May 2.

Tickets for the free admissions can be reserved in advance. To get one of the 175 spaces, visit www.PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov  and click on “special event reservations.”

Lincoln was a young lawyer and legislator with a wife and an infant son when he paid $1,500 for the home on Eighth Street. It saw the birth of three more Lincoln sons and the funeral for one of them. When Lincoln left it for the final time, in 1861, he was president-elect. Today the home is a national historic site.

“This home is a vital piece of the Abraham Lincoln story. We’re grateful to the Illinois Realtors for helping people come learn about it on this important anniversary,” said Alan Lowe, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We also hope folks can visit the home itself when the National Park Service celebrates the anniversary on May 4.”

"Abraham Lincoln's rise from poverty to home ownership illustrates perfectly the aspirational goals so many Americans have to this very day," said Ed Neaves, Illinois REALTORS® president-elect. "This association is proud to be able to play a role in sharing this inspirational story of the role private property ownership plays in realizing the American Dream."

The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can see ghosts come to life on stage, watch TV coverage of the 1860 presidential election, roam through the Lincoln White House, experience booming cannons in a Civil War battle and come face to face with priceless original Lincoln artifacts.

The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. 

[Christopher Wills]