One of the most interesting experiences that I have had was 3 years ago when I had the opportunity to tour Abraham Lincoln’s home, restored surrounding properties and the streets where his former home stands.
The National Park Service who manages and maintains the property and as I have learned was key in establishing the creation of the National Trust has beautifully restored everything in sight allowing you to really “feel” the man and his time. I also believe that the completeness and ongoing care given to this preservation may be in part a result of the singular importance of the man.
Lincoln's home in downtown Springfield was a close walk to his law practice that has been opened since 1887. The home and surroundings represent a snapshot of a point in time, 1860, when Lincoln heard the news that he would be the Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States. It is remarkable the emotion that the home and the history transfers to you. I do not know the role women played over time in this preservation of this important historic landmark, however the home was furnished then and now with possessions that included many items of Lincoln’s children.
The home in which Lincoln lived as a husband, father and new politician and the historical significance of his family’s possessions provided me with a personal and up-close observation and understanding of family life, their interests, lifestyle and values. His neighbors surely contributed to shaping his views; seeing those homes, imagining the sentiments of the time cast me back to the many discussions and experiences he had which made him the man who would lead the country.
It was overwhelming to consider that Lincoln and his new wife raised their children in the home, practiced law, debated with Stephen Douglas over slavery and his rose to the Presidency as a resident of the Springfield home.
To think, like Lincoln, we have many of the same hopes, dreams, and challenges of life playing out in what appears to be an ordinary home. The historical and cultural significance truly inspired me and I am sure future generations to come.
Lincoln Home. Online Posting to National Historic Site: Illinois. Web. 5 Sep. 2011. http://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm.
Murtagh, William J. Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America. 3rd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2006. Print.
Interesting post. Same site that Kristina posted about yet, slightly different experiences. I think that this is one of the sites along with Monticello and Mount Vernon that plays a significant role in the creation of our National Heritage. I wonder how many school children across the country visit a Presidential Homestead as part of their curriculum?
ReplyDeleteBTW: I did a little research and it turns out that on
"June 16 1887 - The Lincoln Home was deeded to the State of Illinois by Robert Lincoln. When he signed the home over, he named two provisions: 'that said homestead shall be, forever, kept in good repair and free of access to the public.'"
It is interesting to think that the Lincoln family was already considering how important this structure was to American History, perhaps.