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Discover Mid-America — December 2005

Our 16th president with state-of-the-art technology

Abraham Lincoln, a gangling backwoods boy, mostly self-educated, grew up to pursue a career in law and politics. He went on to preside over a nation on the brink of self-destruction. Vilified by his opponents at every turn who cited his lack of education, simplistic language and inept management of a prolonged war, Lincoln was at first ambivalent about slavery. But in 1863 his Emancipation Proclamation became a rallying force that would insure his legacy.

On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth murdered the president at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., solidifying Lincoln’s martyrdom in the cause of freedom. Considered one of our greatest presidents, Lincoln continues to fascinate.

Long the center of Lincoln history, Springfield, IL, boasts many Lincoln landmarks: notably his restored home, law office and old capitol building, the depot where he bid farewell to friends, and his tomb. Nearby is New Salem, where Lincoln worked as a merchant and studied law.

On April 19, 2005, Springfield took a giant leap forward as a destination for Lincoln enthusiasts with the opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum at Sixth and Madison Streets. The 100,000 square foot facility adjoins the existing Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. A large parking garage is about a block away.

Visitors to the museum are dazzled by 21st century technology in presenting lifelike recreations of Lincoln and other historical figures, and dramatic multi-media, multi-screen presentations.

In a Civil War sequence, booming, smoking cannons and other action surrounds the visitor on three sides. Another spectacular production uses Holavision® technology to dramatize the “Ghosts of the Library.” (When was the last time you heard school children scream and applaud a historic presentation?)

Touring the museum involves entering a 4,700-square-foot central plaza, where you encounter the Lincoln family, reproduced in stunning detail. You then take two, state-of-the-art “exhibit journeys, each exploring a different aspect of Lincoln’s life.

Journey One follows Lincoln from childhood to his election as president. Included are recreations of his boyhood home, a New Orleans slave auction, his Springfield law office, a debate with Stephen A. Douglas, and his departure for Washington in February 1861.

Journey Two begins in a reproduction of the White House during Lincoln’s time, continues with a depiction of Lincoln and Mary Todd at the deathbed of their son Willie, Lincoln receiving war casualty reports at the Telegraph Office, the White House Kitchen, the presidential box at Ford’s Theater, and the House Chamber in the Old State Capitol where Lincoln’s casket lay in state.

Along the way visitors pass through a “Media Room” showing how the presidential campaign of 1860 would have been advertised and reported had it been conducted today. Journalist Tim Russert narrates.

Later visitors pass through a “Whispering Gallery.” Here, brutally unkind things are said about Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln during their early months in Washington. On the walls are cruel caricatures and harsh political cartoons attacking the Lincolns. A similar experience is the “illusion corridor” where a gauntlet of dream-like images tell Lincoln what he should do about the issues of the day.

Marilyn Eastman, one of the corps of 400 volunteers who assist visitors, said that the museum anticipated having 400,000 visitors by the end of the year. “Instead, we reached that figure today (Oct. 19),” she said.

Another volunteer, Elizabeth Magee, said that school groups are admitted free. “We had 23 buses yesterday,” she said. “It amazes me how many visitors come from overseas. One lady from Australia was moved to tears after seeing the exhibits.”

The volunteers were especially impressed with the high-tech exhibits, particularly the lifelike recreations of the Lincoln family and other figures. “They positioned their eyes in certain ways to make them even more realistic,” Magee said. “It was downright spooky.”

In addition to the permanent displays, a 3,000 square-foot Illinois Gallery accommodates traveling exhibits. Featured Nov. 25 through Jan. 8, 2006 is a special exhibit, “Christmas at the White House.” Also in the museum is a children’s area called “Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic” and a restaurant, museum store and administrative offices.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours till 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, military and students. Children 5-15 years of age are $3.50, and under five are free. For more information call 217-558-8906 or visit www.alplm.org.

Discover Mid-America founder and Senior Contributing Editor Ken Weyand files regular reports on notable Midwest destinations. He can be reached at kweyand1@kc.rr.com

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