For those of you who may not know, I am a huge fan of Abraham Lincoln. Okay; slightly obsessed, but in a good way! I could not give you any one specific reason why this is, it just is. I have adored him for as far back as I can remember; meaning, I did a speech about him in kindergarten or first grade! I think one of the things I admire about him more than anything was his quick wit, and ability to reply to any comment or question with a brilliant quip; many of which are still repeated today. I will be making my first ever visit to this library, as well as Lincoln’s Tomb, and so many other historical sites, in three months!
At 98,000 square feet, this library holds over 12 million books and publications. 47,000 of these are part of the Lincoln Collection, and is the largest collection of artifacts for Lincoln in the world. The library also holds numerous documents and artifacts for all things Illinois. I have a feeling when I step foot in that library, I am going to be telling someone to ship all my clothes, and my cat, because I will not want to leave!
The library contains what is called the “Whispering Gallery”; a dark, crooked hallway full of pictures and actual political cartoons and articles demonstrating the difficulty and hatred that the Lincoln’s faced both during his elections and his terms. While walking through, you hear whispering of actual things that were said to Mr. Lincoln throughout his political career.
2015 is the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and my boyfriend, my children, and I will be in Springfield, Illinois for “The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train”. They are currently constructing a replica of the Lincoln funeral train, which will be travelling from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. Obviously there will be some detours and reroutes happening due to the limitation of the railroad system compared to the 1860’s, but it is making several stops in major cities along the way, identical to the original route of President Lincoln’s funeral procession.
To learn more about this remarkable undertaking and event, visit the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train website here: http://www.the2015lincolnfuneraltrain.com/
I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing event, and I know it is an experience I will never forget.
You can visit the Presidential Library website here: http://www.lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com/
booksandopinions.com 
Interesting – I had an uncle who also obsessed with Lincoln. He wrote several books on different aspects of his presidency and live. Easy man to be obsessed with!
Was your Uncle’s writing published somewhere that I would be able to find it? I would love to read it!
You will not be disappointed! Also, if you like to run, there is a Lincoln Presidential half marathon in April.
I won’t be getting there until April 30th. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the link to the funeral train! You will love the musuem! My wife and I were in Springfield last summer. I assume you will also visit the Old State Capitol, which, while remodeled, lifted, lowered again, and redecorated since he was there, is nevertheless a place where Lincoln worked and his presence is still very much felt. Have you been to Springfield before? I ask because the library and museum are fairly new. If you have not, then I have no doubt you will also visit Lincoln’s Tomb on your trip, as the train route will end at the cemetery, and you will need to replace your tissues if you have used them all up before you even get there!
Thanks for all the information! I have never been there before and have no doubt it will be emotional and tear-inducing for me!