DIRECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
Later this month, our country will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It was a proclamation by President Lincoln that set the precedent for an annual, national day of Thanksgiving. That proclamation, issued in October of 1863, begins with surprising beauty and optimism, “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.” Surprising, at least to me personally, given that the country was in the midst of a brutal, horrific war. Abraham Lincoln did promptly address that reality in his proclamation, calling out the devastating personal losses and sufferings, and ending with a call to heal the wounds and restore the nation to “peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”
There is a lot to take from this message. But one thing I take from it is the not-so-subtle reminder to acknowledge and appreciate what is good in our world — not to ignore the pain, but to underscore both it and the urgent need to address it head-on. In our own way, we do that at the Cottage each and every day. We are so appreciative that we steward this remarkable, beautiful, place for all. By definition our existence points to the long struggle for freedom in this country and the unfinished work ahead of us to achieve greater freedom, justice, and equality. We will get there, together, because we must.
Thank you for your support,
-Erin
Abraham Lincoln’s Guide to Surviving a Family Thanksgiving
By Rebecca Kilborne
Abraham Lincoln stuffs a turkey.
Lincoln was famous for his sense of humor, an invaluable trait for diffusing tense situations. Take our quiz to see if you can pick the true Lincoln quote…and perhaps help you prepare for any holiday drama that may come your way…
Staff Spotlight:
Ten Podcasts that make us think Differently about History
The most pod-antic members of our staff weigh in on their favorite historically minded podcasts. Click here for our list of storytellers that animate our morning commutes and reaffirm our belief in public history.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Museum Store Holiday Market at Strathmore THIS WEEK
- Thursday, Nov 7, 10am- 8pm
- Friday, Nov 8, 10am- 6pm
- Saturday, Nov 9, 10am- 6pm
- Sunday, Nov 10, 10am- 5pm
Accomplish all of your holiday shopping with us in our featured store at Strathmore Mansion’s shoparound event. Browse a market of over 15 of the best shops from museums and cultural institutions around the city. Find unique toys, books and jewelry (like our fun new earrings pictured below). Find out more here.
[Un]possible cut Lincoln and DC Flag earrings, sold exclusively through our store.
Two Faces Comedy Night
- Wednesday, November 13th, 7:30pm Click here to register
Join us for our final Two Comedy Series, presented by Lincoln’s Cottage and The DC Improv. Watch Lincoln’s living room transform into a comedy den in an uproarious night of uncensored fun inspired by Lincoln’s legendary humor and self deprecation.
Museum Store Sunday
- Sunday, December 1, 2019, 9:30am- 4:30pm
On Museum Store Sunday, we will be joining museums and other cultural institutions across the country in offering 20{f8375f47ae67af23d41895d389f5f1bd2473dc9169ad9eb3f7b4c1f331050350} off of all store merchandise.* This is your chance to purchase one of the unique gifts sold exclusively through our store like the charming platter below from our new pottery collection.
Fossilized pottery handmade in Virginia by Nina J Studios, using flowers, leaves and berries right from the garden at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
*With the exception of the Lincoln Slipper
Cyber Monday
- Monday, December 2, 2019
Enjoy 20{f8375f47ae67af23d41895d389f5f1bd2473dc9169ad9eb3f7b4c1f331050350} off of everything from our online store* including our new Cottage ornament (pictured below) at a discounted price.
With its twisting branches and odd fruit, the Osage Orange is an iconic natural feature of the President Lincoln’s Cottage grounds.
*With the exception of the Lincoln Slipper
Giving Tuesday
- Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019
This year President Lincoln’s Cottage will be again participating in the global Giving Tuesday initiative. Our goal this year is to support the restoration of the cottage vestibule.
Social Studies for Early Learners Click here to register
- Tuesday, December 10, 10-11am
- Saturday, December 14, 10-11am
- Tuesday, December 17th, 10-11am
Our new initiative, Social Studies, encourages the development of social and emotional intelligence through games, interactive play, and stories in our youngest learners.
Purchase ‘The Lincoln Slipper’ before the Holidays!
Developed in partnership with luxury slipper purveyor Stubbs and Wootton, these custom-made slippers, featuring an embroidered animal motif, are inspired by Lincoln’s own pair of slippers, currently on exhibit at the Cottage. Historical accounts describe him pacing the Cottage floors in his embroidered slippers, and now you can pace around your own house in a similar pair. Slippers are available for purchase in your choice of natural linen, flax linen, or black velvet. All proceeds benefit the mission of President Lincoln’s Cottage.
[button link=”https://www.lincolncottage.org/the-lincoln-slipper/” bgColor=”#000000″ textColor=”#000000″]Click here to purchase[/button]
Questions? Call 202-829-0436 ext. 0 between 9:30am-4:30pm or visit our Museum Store, where you can also see samples.
Click here for more information about Lincoln’s slippers.
Holiday Experiences at the Cottage
Tour Lincoln’s Cottage over the Holidays
Looking for a unique experience to share with your family over the holidays? Join us for our award-winning tours which offer a refreshing-thought provoking look at President Lincoln through stories of his time here at the Cottage. All frontline staff participate in ongoing training to engage all age levels to insure that our tours are reflective, intergenerational experiences. Tours are offered every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day when our offices will be closed. Advanced purchase strongly advised.
Have your Holiday Party at the Cottage
Book President Lincoln’s Cottage for your holiday party for an event steeped in history and charm.
Contact
Shayla Roland, Events Manager
[email protected] or (202) 829-0436 x 232
Q & Abe Season 1 Available
Our first season of our new podcast is available in its entirety! Stay tuned for season 2 which will drop this winter.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you download podcasts: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher / Google Podcasts
News and Awards
- Politico profiled Megan Smith, CEO of shift7 and former U.S. chief technology officer, on her birthday, and she had plans to attend our Pun Night to celebrate.
- The New York Times featured a wedding that took place at the Cottage in its Love section.
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
Categories:Archive, Newsletter
Tags:e-newsletter, lincoln, Lincoln Slipper, ornament, podcasts, Q&abe, Staff Spotlight, Thanksgiving
