Lincoln bLog: My Surprise Appearance

By: Abraham Lincoln, guest blog writer, Senator John Heinz History Center

Four score and seven years ago…

Okay, not really, but my new exhibit at the History Center has made quite an impact since opening just a couple of weeks ago.

People are rushing to see Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War and Lincoln Slept Here, just like the 15,000 people who mobbed downtown Pittsburgh to hear me speak on Feb. 14, 1861.

(1861? Yes, you read that correctly. I’m starting to get up there, but you know what they say, “You’re only as old as you feel!”)

I made a surprise visit during a preview reception for the exhibition and read excerpts from that speech, delivered from my balcony at the Monongahela House hotel en route to my inauguration.

After captivating the audience with my speech, History Center Chairman of the Board Steve Tritch signaled for the firing of a Civil War-era cannon and with that, my exhibit was officially open.

You can watch video highlights from the preview reception below:

Make sure to come back and visit my bLog soon. Videos, blogs, online slideshows, wow. Now if I can only figure out this cell phone thing…

Abe

Lincoln bLog: Countdown to New Lincoln Exhibition

By: Abraham Lincoln, guest blog writer, Senator John Heinz History Center

Oh gosh, I’m so excited!

The opening of my big Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War and Lincoln Slept Here exhibition is just days away.

The curators at the History Center are busy putting the final touches in preparation of Saturday’s opening. Boy, with all these great photos and artifacts, you might say that I’ve never looked better!

Our friends at CBS Radio Pittsburgh put together a wonderful video preview of the exhibit that I wanted to share it with you all. Click on the play button below:

Isn’t technology great?

In my day, we didn’t have fancy computers or the Internet, just an old fashioned pen and paper. Although I’ve heard the telegraph is quite a neat invention….

I’ll look forward to seeing everyone at the History Center beginning this Saturday. Don’t forget to wear your top hats.

Regards, Abe

Welcome to the Lincoln bLog

By: Abraham Lincoln, guest blog writer, Senator John Heinz History Center

It is with great pleasure I announce that my, I mean, the History Center’s upcoming exhibition, Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War and Lincoln Slept Here, is opening to the public on Saturday, May 30.

Today, I stopped by the History Center for a sneak peak and was rather impressed with my (I’ve got to stop saying that!), I mean, their exhibit which takes an intimate look into my life, my personal and professional struggles, and my determination to lead America through one of its most challenging times.

I think the biggest highlight of the exhibit is the actual bed and bedroom set from the Monongahela House, the downtown Pittsburgh hotel where I stayed on Feb. 14, 1861, en route to my inauguration. That’s right – I did sleep here, Pittsburgh. It’s not a myth!

The History Center museum curators were busy reconstructing the bed today, but I managed to sneak a photo to share with you all – don’t’ tell!



I’ll be back soon with more behind-the-scenes photos and details from the new exhibit. Until then, check out www.heinzhistorycenter.org for the very latest.

Isn’t technology great? Respectfully yours, Abe