In 1860, Abraham Lincoln takes office as a political moderate. While he firmly opposes slavery on moral and political grounds, he does not publicly call for its abolition, for fear of revolutionary consequences. It is America’s greatest crisis—the Civil War—which transforms his political views on racial equality and defines him as one of the nation’s most extraordinary leaders.

Through the words of his most significant speeches, Lincoln’s pen became his most powerful weapon. Lincoln’s Undying Words celebrates his courage and eloquence, with which he helped create a new definition of equality and ultimately saved the Union. Visit the exhibition to learn how Lincoln’s words still challenge and inspire us today, and leave a legacy of hope, inspiration, and the eternal pursuit of human equality.

Lincoln’s Undying Words is presented in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. This exhibition includes artifacts from the Chicago History Museum’s renowned John and Jeanne Rowe Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Collection. Established in part by The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, the Exhibition Innovation Fund has provided additional funding for Lincoln’s Undying Words.