"I was born and have ever remained in the most humble walks of life." – Abraham Lincoln March 9, 1832
When Lincoln delivered these words during his first run for the Illinois House of Representatives in August of 1832, no one could have ever imagined the impact that this "humble" man would have on the American nation. Abraham Lincoln was born into a life of back breaking manual labor and emotional hardship. Unlike many of the great men of his era he could not boast of family wealth or a distinguished lineage which could have aided him in his rise to power. It was only through hard work, ingenuity, and a little luck that he would rise from obscurity to lead this nation during its most difficult period and in the process become a hero for generations to come.
This exhibit is intended to enable the delivery of valuable lessons and messages to host communities by examining the life and time of America's 16th President.
Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America examines Lincoln's life from his beginnings in the crudest of circumstances to his ascension to the Presidency and his assassination.
This exhibit is composed of seven learning stations and has been designed for public spaces, libraries, historical societies, and other cultural or educational institutions that wish to highlight our nation's most revered President.
Select artifacts in the exhibit are reproduced from the originals in the exclusive Louise and Barry Taper Collection – now part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum's holdings. They range from Lincoln's earliest boyhood writing; to the beaver-fur stovepipe hat he wore as a country lawyer; to the kid-leather gloves that became blood-stained in his pocket on the night he was assassinated. Treasures of Mary Lincoln, other family members, and friends are included. Keeping these original artifacts as part of the collection of the ALPLM has inspired a national fundraising effort entitled the Permanent Home Campaign, launched to make these historic treasures, and 1,500 other items all valued at more than $25 million, permanently available at the ALPLM for the whole world to study and enjoy.
Throughout the exhibit, look for the stovepipe-hat icon which designates the reproduction artifacts that are part of the Permanent Home Campaign. To learn more about the campaign visit http://www.presidentlincoln.org/foundation/annual_fund.html
