DIRECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
Welcome to February, where our national attentions are divided between impeachment proceedings, presidential primaries, and other current events even as we celebrate Black History Month and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. History, like politics, is fully of conflicting information and rhetoric, making both sometimes seem confusing, chaotic, and hopelessly divided. We’re here to help make sense of the past together. At the heart of our work as historians is the drive to seek and reveal truth so we can draw informed conclusions. On the matter of disunion, Lincoln reportedly said, “I have faith in the people. … The danger is, they are misled. Let them know the truth, and the county is safe.” That maxim can be applied to many situations.
This month also kicks off our lucky thirteenth year of being open to the public. A few highlights from the past year exemplify our commitment to excellence at every level of the organization:
- Winning DC’s Best Museum Off the Mall for the third year in a row
- Launching our new podcast series, Q&Abe, with listeners in 18 different countries
- Recognition as “One of the Best” DC charities by Catalogue for Philanthropy
2020 is shaping up to be another year of groundbreaking work at the Cottage. For example, this fall we will launch a first-of-its-kind exhibit on parental grief and child loss. The Lincolns lost two sons to illness in February, little Eddie in 1850, and young Willie in 1862. Their time at the Cottage is inextricably connected to their grief and that of countless others who lost children in the war.
Thank you for your support,
Could we have stopped slavery in the U.S.?
Join us as we pursue the truth in our latest Q& Abe Podcast Episode on the origins of slavery in America.
We have episodes and bonus content dropping every Thursday (including tomorrow!). Listen here or subscribe wherever you download podcasts: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher / Google Podcasts
Click here to find out how to enter our giveaway and win an amazing Lincoln themed prize.
Celebrate Presidents’ Day Weekend with Team Lincoln
Are you looking for a way to celebrate Lincoln’s 211th birthday?
Join us Saturday, February 15th at the National Portrait Gallery for some Presidential Family Day Fun where we will be helping young Lincoln fans emulate his iconic fashion by creating their own stovepipe hat.
Abraham Lincoln by George Peter Alexander Healy on display at the National Portrait Gallery
We will also be offering extra Cottage tours on Presidents Day (Monday, February 17th). Reserve your tickets here. Advanced reservations strongly recommended.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Commemoration of Black History Month with Representative G.K. Butterfield 
- Friday, February 28th, 2020 from 1-2:30pm
President Lincoln’s Cottage is proud to partner with the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) for our annual Black History Month Program. This year’s program will address the ongoing struggle for voting rights for African American men and women and will feature Congressman G.K. Butterfield, Representative of North Carolina’s 1st District and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Please register for this free event here.
Cottage Conversation: Confederate Statues and Memorialization
- Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 6:30-8:30pm
Join us as Catherine Clinton discusses her new book, Confederate Statues and Memorialization, with historian Jim Downs. The book is itself a conversation between Clinton and other experts that delves into issues surrounding memorialization, the proper role of public intellectuals, and the development of a national historic narrative.
Purchase tickets here.
Cottage Conversation: The President vs. The Press
- Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 6:30-8:30pm
Join us as Harold Holzer discusses his new book The President vs. The Press, which chronicles the endless battle between the White House and the media – from the founding fathers to fake news.
Purchase tickets here.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL LINCOLN IDEAS FORUM
When: Wednesday April 8, 2020
Subject: Presidential Character
Speakers from our 2019 Lincoln Ideas Forum
Programs & Preservation in Progress
Vestibule Restoration Update
Jeff showing the original decorative interior painting which was made to resemble wainscot.
Our Senior Preservationist Jeffrey Larry is hard at work restoring the historic Cottage vestibule to its Lincoln-day grandeur thanks largely to generous contributions by our Giving Tuesday supporters.
Upcoming Exhibit on Grief and Child Loss is in Development
After the death of Willie Lincoln in 1862, the Lincolns sought a more private place to grieve the loss of their son – the second of their four boys to die from an illness in childhood. So they moved to the Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home. The Cottage provided a place of quiet where they could grieve and heal. We are honoring the legacy of the Cottage as a place of reflection and healing in our upcoming Grief exhibit, the first of its kind, currently in development. For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please email Director of Development Jason Molihan at [email protected].
President Lincoln’s Cottage in the News
- The Washington Post suggests visiting us at the National Portrait Gallery as a worthwhile activity over Presidents Day Weekend
- The Washington Post highlighted our partnership with the Folger noting that we are hosting their “Shake up your Saturdays” programming for young people as they complete renovations
- The Justice Arts Coalition website featured an article by a Cottage visitor reflecting on the ‘Iron Cages’ exhibit
SUPPORT PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S COTTAGE
Support our educational programs, preservation efforts and public events by making a contribution to President Lincoln’s Cottage. Donate online today.
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