DIRECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
Where did the summer go? As August came to a close, the leaves were already starting to fall from the trees here on the grounds. A few short days later, hundreds of children arrived to start another school year at the charter school nearby and dozens of little ones returned for the Petworth Cooperative Playgroup we host on site. As teachers settle in with their new classes, they’re reaching out to our team to finalize details for fall field trips to President Lincoln’s Cottage.
We serve learners of all ages, every day. Yet school groups are undeniably a unique opportunity to share knowledge and exchange perspectives with youth who are learning about and understanding the world in which they live, and what role they can play as engaged citizens. President Lincoln had strong feelings about education, explaining, “In one word Free Labor insists on universal education.” In this issue, Lincoln’s views of education and education policy are explored in the third in a series of essays written by our own Zach Klitzman. I hope you enjoy it and the many other opportunities you can find in this issue to attend programs on site — from our Social Studies program for our youngest visitors, to our Homecoming events for all ages, and our Cottage Conversations and Comedy Nights for adults. If you can’t join us onsite, make sure to check out the latest episode of our new podcast, Q & Abe, and follow us on social media.
Thank you for your support.
-Erin
Lincoln’s Original Slippers Now Available to Purchase!
Introducing, “The Lincoln,” developed in partnership with luxury slipper purveyor Stubbs and Wootton. These custom-made slippers, featuring an embroidered goat 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 have 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.
A UNIVERSAL RIGHT FOR ALL — LINCOLN AND EDUCATION
By Zach Klitzman
Lincoln reading by the fireplace
Much has been made of Abraham Lincoln’s lack of a formal education. He succinctly summed up his educational background in 1858, when he filled out a brief biographical sketch for the upcoming Dictionary of Congress: “Education defective,” it read. However, though he himself received minimal formal education, he nonetheless believed in the importance of education in a democratic society, something he reiterated through his words and deeds during his life. Eschewing the argument that he turned out just fine regardless, he believed that nobody else should have such a disadvantageous start to their life.
Read the rest of the essay here
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Social Studies For Early Learners
WHEN: Thursday, September 12, 10:15am-11:30am
Join our new initiative for our youngest learners, Social Studies, which provides programming that encourages social and emotional intelligence through games, interactive play, and stories. Social Studies programming provides the space and opportunity for early learners to experiment and practice these social and emotional skills to become future leaders.
While living at the Soldiers’ Home, Lincoln made nation-changing decisions about the country and freedom, most notably the Emancipation Proclamation. During his time here, Lincoln faced criticism and doubts from himself and others. Despite these external and internal pressures, he bravely managed his stress and motivated himself to achieve his goals. Join President Lincoln’s Cottage in an exploration of your own determination and resilience through storytelling, hands-on activities, and reflection. Tickets are $5 per child. Click here to learn more and to register!
Homecoming
WHEN: Saturday, September 21
During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. This year we welcome everyone back “home” to join us for a full day of racing and family fun activities at Homecoming! We’ll start the day off with our Freedom 5k and then continue the fun with Family Day including: Civil War encampments, pony rides, arts and crafts, picnics, story hour, and more!
We hope we’ll see you there!
Fall Cottage Conversations
We have two Cottage Conversations coming up this fall! Check them out below and be sure to register through the links provided!
September 12 — Sidney Blumenthal, author of All the Powers of Earth: The Political Life of Abraham Lincoln Vol. III, 1856-1860. To learn more and register, click here.
October 10 — Doug Waller, author of Lincoln’s Spies: Their Secret War to Save a Nation. To learn more and register click here.
Two Faces Comedy Series
Back by popular demand, and drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s legendary humor and self-deprecation, President Lincoln’s Cottage and The DC Improv are again partnering to present Two Faces Comedy, the first comedy series to transform Lincoln’s living room into a comedy den.
This will be a series of three comedy nights: Tuesday, September 24th, Monday, October 21st, & Wednesday, November 13th. Stay tuned for details. All shows begin at 7:30pm. Click here to register
Annual Report Now Available
President Lincoln’s Cottage Annual Report for 2018 is now available. Click here for the full report
Q & Abe Bonus Content Available
This summer we released the first-ever episode of our podcast Q & Abe! The third episode of the podcast investigated another real question from visitors to the Cottage — “Why are there no photos of Lincoln in his military uniform?” This question was asked by a visitor from Belarus. Today we released bonus content related to that episode, featuring Retired Staff Sergeant Jim Diamond, who lives at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Bookmark this link for all future episodes, and be sure to subscribe wherever you download podcasts.
Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher / Google Podcasts
News and Awards
- The New York Times featured a wedding that took place at the Cottage in its Vows section
- The 21st Show reaired its episode where they featured the Cottage while visiting Lincoln sites in D.C.
- Eagle Online mentioned the Cottage in an article on a local teacher participating in our Teacher Fellows program
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:Annual Report, e-newsletter, Education, lincoln, Lincoln's Slippers, Q&abe
