A Hidden Gem!


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President Lincoln’s Cottage recently received some rave reviews from visitors who heard about us through Groupon. Read what they had to say (below).

What a treasure for DC! We’ve been to other Lincoln historic sites (Lexington, KY; Manchester Center, VT etc) and didn’t know about this one right here. Beautiful grounds, gorgeous buildings and we learned a lot about Lincoln’s Presidential years! -April 20, 2013

Curtis, our tour guide, did an outstanding job guiding us through President Lincoln’s cottage. We liked being in a small group! Curtis was able to answer all our questions and to engage our imaginations with why President Lincoln’s cottage was so important to President Lincoln and his family. We definitely will bring our out of town guests and we will also encourage our DC neighbors to visit this historic home. -April 19, 2013

We enjoyed our visit to President Lincoln’s Cottage. As we toured the cottage, we were able to imagine Lincoln himself walking, talking and sleeping in these very rooms. Our guide was enthusiastic and really touched on Lincoln’s humanity, so we learned so much about this man…not just the things most of us already have studied. The museum was also interesting, and we were lucky to be able to see a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation which will be there until the end of April. -April 16, 2013

A hidden gem! This was such an interesting tour – I was fascinated by how much of the original house still remained and how the renovations were done, and how the family lived, and all the details about how people could just knock on his door to talk with him. I learned a lot about how he was conflicted about the war, and so many other facts. The tour made him and his family and that time during the war more real for me. -April 15, 2013

I had an EXCELLENT tour guide (Michelle) who clearly loved talking about the house, the history, and the life of Lincoln. I especially loved how the house continues to educate on modern day slavery through its exhibit on human trafficking. The organization clearly lives its mission. I’ve recommended the tour to several people already. -April 13, 2013

It was a lovely event. Cottage is special and the tour was great as it involved us – the visitors. The staff on tour and upon signing in were VERY friendly and for sure seemed to enjoy their job and wanted to make all feel their feelings of this special place. Our family LOVED being there and sincerely hope to come back soon. Thank you one and all. -March 11, 2013

TREMENDOUS!!! -March 10, 2013

Did you recently visit the Cottage? Email us at LincolnsCottage@savingplaces.org and let us know about your experience.

“A very personal line to the president himself”


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A visitor recently sent us the following message:

“This was a wonderful tour – the kind of experience that all history tours should be.  The seamless fusion of multimedia elements into the tour utilized the best of these technologies without it being “high tech” and never interfered with the sense of history one felt on the tour.  Also, the way in which the tours are structured–making one feel a part of a visit to the Lincoln home–works so well!  You really feel a part of the house, not an outside visitor from a distant time.  The crowning part of this experience was to see how folks each touched the handrail to the second floor–the same one Lincoln used–making that rail of wood into a very personal line to the president himself.”

Want to share your thoughts on a recent trip to the Cottage? Shoot us an email at LincolnsCottage@savingplaces.org.

A Teacher’s Reflection


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“One of the toughest things that we can do as people is step back, take a look at ourselves and evaluate not only what we do, but who we are as people. While this exercise can be very difficult for us, it is this reflection that can help us move forward by looking back and become a better husband/wife, teacher, friend or brother by reflecting on the times when we haven’t been at our best.”

Frank McCaughey, a history teacher in Queens, NY, participated in the Civil War Washington Teacher Fellows Program last week in Washington, DC along with 24 other teachers. The program included trips to the Frederick Douglas House, Ford’s Theatre, Tudor Place, and President Lincoln’s Cottage. On Wednesday, the group spent the day at the Cottage and Mr. McCaughey shared his experience on his blog. Read about how the day had him “thinking about thinking” here: http://thenewlywedteacher.blogspot.com/2011/07/learning-in-dc-day-3-lincoln-and.html

For more information about this program and all education programs at President Lincoln’s Cottage, visit the Education page.

Adding a New Dimension to Lincoln


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By Erin Carlson Mast

Sometimes it seems like there is so much “Lincoln” around there cannot possibly be room for more. Lincoln touched this and that. Lincoln slept here and there. What else could there be to learn or experience? At President Lincoln’s Cottage we feel we have something new and different to offer you. We provide an opportunity for the public to discover something new about President Lincoln’s private and public life while experiencing the original place (not a recreation) where he lived and worked for over a full quarter of his presidency.

The experience does not end there. If you’re interested in learning more, our staff is always happy to recommend further reading or other historic sites you might enjoy.  The following feedback, published here with the visitor’s permission, was received this week and exemplifies the kind of experience we strive to create for all of our visitors:

My husband, my friend and I visited the Cottage the day before Thanksgiving.

Scott Ackerman was our guide and after the tour he was able to join us for a few minutes in the Gift Shop. Scott is very knowledgeable and after speaking with him we bought yet another book (3 total).

For some reason the setting at the Soldiers’ Home is conducive to ‘feeling’ Lincoln. It reminds me of when we went to Mt. Vernon to walk through George Washington’s home. I got a sense of him walking, talking and seeing. It is a wonderful setting for the stories that were told to us about him. I also loved the fact that the only time they add furniture is when they know it is authentic replicas.

We visited the impressive Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Illinois and Ford’s Theatre, but this definitely added a dimension to our knowledge of Lincoln.

Thank you and please thank Scott for us.

E. and J. Roberts

We thank the Roberts family for sending their comments.  They have certainly visited a range of Lincoln sites and we’re happy to be among them.

Ms. Mast is the Curator of President Lincoln’s Cottage.

"One of the richest and most personal brushes with the life of A. Lincoln"


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By Erin Carlson Mast

We’ve recently completed our “summative evaluations” of President Lincoln’s Cottage tour after completion and are reviewing the analysis.  We also continue to conduct our regular online surveys to gather visitor feedback, necessary to help us review and enhance the visitor experience just 9 months after opening to the public for the first time.

Occasionally we get feedback outside of our regular and special surveys, and sometimes this feedback is the most personal and the most understanding of our mission at the Cottage.   Here is a recent note we received via email from Mr. Vosler of Ohio, who agreed to let us post his comments.

I had the occasion to tour the Lincoln Cottage 2 days ago, and have continued to regale family and friends with how special the visit was.  With what turned out to be a personal tour by guide Allison — I was thoroughly engaged, not only by both the factual and anecdotal knowledge, but her personal passion for the subject as well. Combined with the sheer quality and originality of the restoration attained, it all made for one of the best hours I’ve recently spent.  As an avid history buff who has visited most every Lincoln site and many other presidential sites as well, I consider the Lincoln Cottage one of the penultimate examples of fine restoration. A historically accurate surround/view (ability to see as Abe saw) is enhanced by the minimalist interior and well-timed interactive media to make for one of the richest and most personal brushes with the life of A. Lincoln.  Job well done on all fronts — I will tell all of the must see!  Thank you.

S. Vosler, Dublin, OH

Of course, not all of our visitor feedback is glowing, but what is striking about much of the positive feedback, such as Mr. Vosler’s, is that the comments reveal that the visitor both had an enjoyable and educational experience–our main goal–and understands the strengths of the site and what we’re trying to accomplish in the first place. 

While there are some fully furnished rooms on the tour, President Lincoln’s Cottage was not designed to be the typical fully furnished historic house museum–so anyone coming with the hopes of seeing, for example, Mary’s dresses may leave a bit disappointed, as will the person who wants a purely architectural tour and does not care much for Lincoln (and these are not made up examples).  The architecture and Mary Lincoln story were not the impetus for the Cottage being declared part of a National Historic Landmark in 1973 or a National Monument in 2000.  Though Mary and the architecture are part of the story, the focus is Lincoln’s leadership and private life in this place.

Feedback is important as we continually evaluate and adjust the experience at President Lincoln’s Cottage.  The goal is that even visitors coming with misplaced expectations are satisfied with their visit and walk away having learned something new.  By and large we have been successful in that goal, but we can and will always strive to do more. 

Ms. Mast is the Curator at President Lincoln’s Cottage.

The Cottage Tour: A Unique Visitor Experience


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By Leslie Bouterie

At President Lincoln’s Cottage, visitors are treated to a unique and engaging tour experience. To meet the expectations of the modern museum visitor for a personal, informative, and exciting visit when they tour a historic site, tour groups at President Lincoln’s Cottage are limited in size, and a multimedia, interactive interpretation approach is utilized by paid, professional tour guides, known as historical interpreters.

All tours begin in the Visitor Orientation Theater of the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center, where visitors are welcomed and view a brief introductory video. Afterwards, they are escorted to the Cottage. Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find that there are no velvet ropes or glass partitions barring entry to the original rooms, as there are in many other historic homes. Tour takers are invited to enter the rooms and to sit on period furniture (not original to the Lincolns), enabling them to easily imagine themselves as special guests of the Lincoln family in the authentic cottage.

During the tour, through the use of audio clips, visitors hear the words of Mary and Abraham Lincoln, of others who lived and who worked here, and of guests who visited. Visitors also view video images of many historical figures and events of the day which help them to place the stories in the context of the turbulent Civil War times. Some visitors are, at first, surprised by the presence of digital media in the Cottage.  This modern methodology, used only when it could enhance the experience, enables the historical interpreters to “bring the stories to life” with vivid descriptions of the family’s daily life at their country retreat and moving explanations of Abraham Lincoln’s personal and wartime challenges and the important work he accomplished while in residence.  The integration of modern technology with the expertise of dynamic tour guides brings a unique depth and richness to the visitors’ touring experience.

After taking the Cottage tour, enthusiastic visitors shared these comments (selected from visitor survey responses):

“This was a fantastic tour! Our tour guide was wonderful…and knowledgeable. I loved the combo of the guided tour and media (audio/visual) to give us the whole story.” – a visitor from Virginia

“Our tour guide was excellent and the multimedia support gave wonderful variety to the presentation. I am an educator and fully appreciated the impact of the presentation.” – a visitor from Maine

“I really enjoyed the “storytelling” aspects of the tour. Last week I had visited the White House and enjoyed the furnishings, but felt disappointed, like it wasn’t enough. Visiting the Lincoln Cottage was the opposite – few…furnishings, but a very interesting storytelling experience”. – a visitor from Washington, DC

“The use of a tour guide, video clips and audio segments worked extremely well. Our tour guide…was excellent- very knowledgeable and informative.” – a visitor from Virginia

The popularity of the multi-media tours of President Lincoln’s Cottage continues to bring many visitors, and even repeat visitors, to the site.  Meanwhile, constructive criticism received from our visitors is regularly reviewed by staff so that adjustments may be made when possible and when compatible with the President Lincoln’s Cottage mission.

Entrance to the Cottage is exclusively with a guided tour, and as the tours are limited in size  and availability, advance booking is highly recommended. Reservations may conveniently be made through Etix via a link from the Tickets page of this website or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX.  A limited number of walk-up tickets are available for purchase on-site the day of the tour.

Ms. Bouterie is a Lead Interpreter and Private & Corporate Events coordinator at President Lincoln’s Cottage.

"We Could Feel Lincoln’s Presence"


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By Erin Carlson Mast
With contributions from Allan Gurganus and Adam Goodheart

Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recently forwarded messages he received from Allan Gurganus and Adam Goodheart regarding the preservation work and tour at President Lincoln’s Cottage.  Both gentlemen agreed to let us share their comments with our readers.

The first contribution comes from Allan Gurganus, author of the New York Times bestselling novel Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All:

I have long been an admirer of your work. Your kindness in getting Adam Goodheart and I into the Soldiers’ Home confirms my admiration, my awe. I’ve never felt physically closer to Lincoln than I did in those rooms.  It’s as if, off-duty however briefly, he adamantly shed the burdens of state and—doing so—-left huge amounts of himself in that pastoral and homey setting. Our guide seemed so alive to the importance of the house and her privilege in revealing it.

Thank you for all you have saved and revealed.

The second testimonial was sent by Adam Goodheart, Hodson Trust-Griswold Director, C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience at Washington College:

I visited Lincoln’s Cottage on Saturday morning with Allan Gurganus…we were both deeply moved by the experience. It was a drizzly and gray morning – Civil War weather – and we could feel Lincoln’s presence in those rooms. The interpretation, the guide, etc. were all splendid as well.  You have truly created a national monument there – all the more remarkable for having been hidden in plain sight for so long – and thank you for making it possible for us to experience it.

The current tour was informed in part by focus groups and formative evaluations conducted while the tour was in development.  We are currently creating an official visitor feedback survey so that visitors have a framework for submitting comments about their visit.  We’ll use the comments to evaluate the current visitor experience and determine what changes can and should be made to improve the experience for future visitors.

Ms. Erin Mast is Curator at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Special thanks to Adam Goodheart and Allan Gurganus for allowing us to publish their comments.

Lincoln, Shakespeare, and Death


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Introduction by Erin Carlson Mast
Contributed by Trevor Parry-Giles

At the end of the day, our mission is not only to preserve and interpret President Lincoln’s seasonal retreat to the public, but to reveal new information about Lincoln’s ideas and actions, especially in this place. Our goal is to encourage critical thinking and dialogue amongst our staff and visitors, during and after the tour.

This week we received an email from a recent visitor,  Trevor Parry-Giles, who reflected on the tour and offered personal insight and suggested readings for further exploration.  With his permission, an excerpt of that email follows:

I recently visited the Lincoln Cottage when you provided us with a fascinating tour of the site. Your tour was great, but as I was listening to you speak, it occurred to me that there were some possible readings that might help to understand Lincoln in a couple of areas.

Continue reading →

Hearst Students Visit Lincoln’s Cottage


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By Erin Carlson Mast
Contributed to by Mr. Rope’s Third Grade Class

On January 23, 2008, Hearst Elementary 3rd Graders, their teacher, Mr. Rope, and librarian, Elizabeth Vandivier, visited President Lincoln’s Cottage. Mr. Rope’s class was the second class to visit the site after restoration work was finished and prior to the grand opening, which meant they were one of the first groups to get the full experience at President Lincoln’s Cottage.

Students are welcomed to President Lincoln's Cottage. These 3rd graders from Hearst Elementary get a sneak preview of the site before opening.

The students participated in “Lincoln’s Hat,” a new program about Lincoln’s writing process developed by Curator of Education Jill Sanderson.  The program meets standards of learning in DC, Virginia, and Maryland.  For more information on this and other programs see: http://lincolncottage.org/visit/education/.

Students participate in the Lincoln's Hat program

As part of the visit, students toured President Lincoln’s Cottage.   They learned about why Lincoln came to the Soldiers’ Home and about Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which he began working on his first summer here in 1862.

Young Lincoln scholars learn about the Emancipation Proclamation at President Lincoln's Cottage.

The day after their visit, several students wrote an essay about their experience and submitted it to the Northwest Current for publication (anticipated, January 30, 2008).  Their essay begins:

“We had a special opportunity last week to go to President Abraham Lincoln’s cottage at the Soldiers’ Home on Rock Creek Church Road. The cottage hasn’t opened to the public yet, and we were only the second school class to visit.

President Lincoln’s cottage is awesome. It has a brand new Visitors Center and museum. It had pictures of Abraham Lincoln and his family. It also showed Union soldiers and supporters in the Civil War when Lincoln was President. The museum had displays and videos telling about many parts of his life.”

Read their full essay here: Hearst Elementary Third Grade Trip to President Lincoln’s Cottage

Lincolns have left the building...

We look forward to welcoming many more students to President Lincoln’s Cottage in the coming months.

Ms. Erin Mast is Curator at President Lincoln’s Cottage.   Special thanks to Mr. Rope’s Third Grade Class from Hearst Elementary for allowing us to publish their essay and share photos of their visit.