Lincoln Family Carriage and Deathbed on Display at the Chicago History Museum

What does your candidate stand for? This election year, revisit Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and discover how his evolving views on slavery transformed America in “Lincoln’s Undying Words,” opening Saturday, April 9, at the Chicago History Museum.

The exhibition, developed in collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, explores this powerful story through five of Lincoln’s key speeches: A House Divided, 1858; his first inaugural address, 1861; the Gettysburg Address, 1863; his second inaugural address, March 1865; and the speech on Reconstruction, April 1865, given three days before his assassination. “We are delighted to explore Lincoln’s ideas through five key speeches made during the most critical chapter in our nation’s history. Today, those speeches continue to challenge and inspire people everywhere,” said Gary T. Johnson, president of the Chicago History Museum.

Visitors will see rare treasures and artifacts related to Lincoln, including his family’s carriage, on display at the Museum for the first time in 30 years, and deathbed, a treasured icon of the Museum’s collection since 1920. Among the highlights:

• A first edition of Solomon Northup’s book, “Twelve Years a Slave”
• “The Railsplitter,” an imaginative portrait that helped Lincoln become president
• Lincoln’s last order to General Ulysses S. Grant “We are not enemies, but friends.

We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.”— Lincoln’s appeal to the South in his first inaugural address, March 4, 1861

As you walk through the exhibition, hear Lincoln actor Michael Krebs read selected excerpts from the speeches. This captivating iPod audio experience brings Lincoln’s words to life.

Engaging interactive elements enhance the presentation of Lincoln’s speeches, encouraging visitors to explore Lincoln’s ideas on a deeper level. “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. Educational programs for Undying Words are sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund; the exhibition’s corporate sponsor is Wintrust.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

The Chicago History Museum, a major museum and research center for Chicago and American history, is located at 1601 N. Clark Street. The Museum can be reached by CTA buses 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156. Parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets (enter on Stockton Drive). Admission includes our audio tours: $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, free for children 12 years and younger. Prices are subject to change. Please call 312-642-4600 or visit us at chicagohistory.org. To learn more follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.