In commemoration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 1809, the Smithsonian Institution presents a yearlong celebration offering visitors an exploration of the life and times of one of the nation’s extraordinary presidents.

As part of the Smithsonian-wide celebration, the National Museum of American history brings together—for the first time—its unique and unparalleled Lincoln collection and showcases important documents on loan from the White House and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

EXHIBITION ON VIEW at the National Museum of American History

Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life
The life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln is brought to light with a re-examination of the unique and unparalleled collection of Lincoln artifacts and memorabilia held by the National Museum of American History. Each highlighted object is be augmented with personal stories told by Lincoln and the people who knew him best. The exhibition showcases more than 60 historical treasures associated with Lincoln's life, from an iron wedge he used to split wood in the early 1830s in New Salem, Illinois, to his iconic top hat he wore the night he was shot at Ford's Theatre. Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life tells a new and very intimate story of the nation's 16th president.  Learn more.

ONLINE RESOURCES from the National Museum of American History

The Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln's short address at the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, battlefield is one of the most eloquent political speeches in American history. Its inspiring message remains as meaningful today as when first delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. Read about the history of the Address, the White House copy of the document, and watch a video about the restoration of the Lincoln Bedroom, where the artifact is normally housed.  The online exhibition includes background information on the speech and a high-resolution scan of the document which allows you to zoom in to view Lincoln’s individual pen strokes.  Visit Web site.

America's New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This online exhibition features ten rare and important documents on loan from the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. These documents have become the cornerstone of current thinking on Lincoln and his legacy and will include a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. Also on view are letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War, including Lincoln's letter to James C. Conkling in which he makes his forceful defense of the Emancipation Proclamation, and his letter to Francis Blair on his unwavering demands for peace.  Learn more.

Online Education Conference on Abraham Lincoln
Explore fascinating aspects of the life and death of one of our nation's greatest presidents. Sessions from the conference, held on Feb. 4 and 5, 2009, are archived so you can replay them at any time.  One session featured Harry Rubenstein, curator at the National Museum of American History, discussing his work on the new exhibition and publication, Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life.  Curator Shannon Thomas Perich presented "Public and Private Photography During the Civil War," which offered a greater understanding of how photography was incorporated into everyday lives, and how we value those photographs today as historical objects.

Image Gallery
Download and print a set of objects and quotes from Abraham Lincoln.

K- 4 Kids' Activities: A Letter to Abraham Lincoln
In 1860, while Lincoln was campaigning for the presidency, he received a letter from 11-year-old Grace Bedell, who recommended that he grow a beard. Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers, written and illustrated by Karen Winnick, tells this story by focusing on Grace’s experience.  After reading Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers, children can engage in several related activities, including a computer-based project, a creative craft, and a field trip right from the book! The activities are intended for use with children from kindergarten to fourth grade in classrooms, during afterschool programs, and at home. Each downloadable activity includes a parent and teacher guide along with directions and historical background information.

Lincoln-related Educational Resources from Smithsonian's History Explorer
Your gateway to innovative, standards-based online resources for teaching and learning American history. Explore the rich resources of the Museum and bring history to life with artifacts, primary sources, and online tools for the classroom, afterschool programs, and home.  Visit Web site.

OTHER RESOURCES around the Smithsonian Institution

Lincoln at the Smithsonian
Exhibitions and events will honor the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth around the Smithsonian Institution, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Postal Museum, and Smithsonian Affiliates in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Discover “Lincoln in Washington” with Smithsonian Journeys
April 29 - May 3, 2009
Join famed historian Edwin C. Bearss on this tour focusing on Abraham Lincoln's life in the Nation’s Capital, from his single term as a congressman through his presidency. Gain new perspectives on Lincoln’s early career in Washington and the challenging years of the Civil War.

Timeline- Life of Lincoln: 1809-1865
Smithsonian Magazine compiled an interactive timeline with videos and links to its articles about the life of our 16th president. The timeline is rich with images, audio, and background information on Abraham Lincoln. It would be a good way to introduce students to new details of Lincoln’s life or review what they have already learned.