In honor of the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln this February, the Smithsonian Institution will present to the public their rare holdings of treasured Lincoln artifacts.  The LGDC was privileged to view these items in advance.  Harry Rubenstein, Chair and Curator of the Division of Politics and Reform, along with his staff, presented these items from Mr. Lincoln's early life, political life, and his death. (Click to view larger image.  Descriptions are from left to right.)
The Lincoln Wedge and log split by Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's friend, Mentor Graham, recalls that Lincoln asked the blacksmith to cut his initials into the wedge as it was being made.  The blacksmith told Lincoln he was, "no scholar," so Lincoln carved the "AL" into the wedge himself.  The wedge was discovered in 1895 beneath  the floorboards of Mentor Graham's home and donated to the Smithsonian by Graham's daughter.  The document, as marked by the "X" of Lincoln's cousin and boyhood friend John Hanks, verifies the authenticity of the two items.  Mr. Lincoln is the only president who holds a patent, number 6469.  Based on his experiences working on the Sangamon River, Lincoln's biographer and law partner William Herndon states, "Continual thinking on the subject of lifting vessels over sand bars and other obstructions in the water suggested to him the idea of inventing an apparatus for this purpose." Lincoln's patent was never tested, but curator Harry Rubenstein says it will be and the results included in the exhibition.
In days before photography and modern travel artists made plaster casts of famous subjects to use later at their studios as they created the sculptures.  By 1858, artist Leonard Volk had already planned to make a Lincoln statue and met Lincoln in Chicago to take the facemask.  For the hands, Volk traveled to Lincoln's home in Springfield in 1860, arriving the day Lincoln received the nomination for president.  "The right hand appeared swollen as compared with the left, on account of excessive hand-shaking the evening before; this difference is distinctly shown in the cast."  To steady his right hand, Lincoln went into the family kitchen to find something to hold. He found a broomstick for this purpose and trimmed it. This original cast has that broomstick.  Subsequent copies include metal dowels in place of the broomstick.  Lamp and eagle torches used by the "Wide-Awakes," young supporters who staged nightly political parades supporting Lincoln.
Curator Harry Rubenstein carries the rail-splitter's "hatchet" used during Wide Awake parades.  Close-ups of hatchet and banner used during that time.  Suit worn by Lincoln.  It was given by Mary Lincoln to an artist who requested it to make a portrait of Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln called it his office suit, and told the artist that the sleeves were frayed from writing so many pardons.
Shawl belonging to Lincoln, donated by the granddaughter of a friend of Robert Todd Lincoln. The accession documents say it was given to him by the president's son when on a visit to Robert's house he needed a wrap. At that time, Robert told him the shawl belonged to his father who wore it often.  Lincoln spent much time at the telegraph office and David Eckert of the War Department says Lincoln used this inkstand as he worked on the Emancipation Proclamation during some of that time.  Lincoln's "last cup" was found on a windowsill in the Executive Mansion after the assassination and was saved by a servant.  Actress Laura Keene was on stage that night and heard the shots.  She ran up to the Lincoln's bringing water.  That night she removed the cuffs, speckled with Lincoln's blood, from her costume and gave them to her niece.  The niece donated them to the Smithsonian.
The pocket watch Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre.  Autopsy kit used.  Handcuffs used on Lincoln conspirators; key to cells.  One of eight canvas masks used on the prisoners during their confinement.  All eight hoods will be included in the final exhibit.
Mary Lincoln's purse, carried by her that night.  Her mourning watch. Mary Lincoln wore mourning clothes for the rest of her life.  The famous Lincoln hat.
The National Museum of American History on the Mall in Washington DC will reopen to the public in November 21, 2008.  This exhibit will open in January 2009 and remain open for two years. Text & photos by Susan Dennis.  Used with permission.  Contact Susan Dennis. revised 9-22-08 sad