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

Enjoy Western Pennsylvania History Magazine Now Online

By: Brian Butko, publications director, Senator John Heinz History Center

The History Center is pleased to announce the content of Western Pennsylvania History Magazine, stretching back to 1918, has been scanned and is now available online at no cost to the public.

The thousand pages of text were scanned and made searchable by the Office of Digital Scholarly Publishing at Penn State. Now anyone with an Internet connection can search the text back to 1918 and instantly access any article. For now, 2002 is the latest year scanned but that will be brought closer to the year of publication. Enjoy!

Click here to start searching.

Got Stuff???

Did you come across any interesting items in your attic or basement while spring cleaning? If so, bring your stuff to the History Center this summer for the second annual “Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures, An Antiques Appraisal Show.”

On Sunday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., professional appraisers from a variety of disciplines will assess the historic significance of your items and provide a verbal assessment of potential monetary value.

Throughout the day, KDKA cameras will roam the History Center seeking out the most unique and unusual items that visitors have uncovered. Among the appraisers’ areas of expertise are:

• Civil War and World War II items


• Political and presidential memorabilia


• Books and documents


• Antique coins and jewelry


• Household items (glass, China, silver, vases, etc.)


• Classic toys


• Textiles (wedding dresses, quilts, etc.)


• Fine arts


• Furniture


• Historic photographs

The event is free for members and is included in the regular History Center admission prices. Stay tuned to www.heinzhistorycenter.org for details on special members-only privileges and a list of appraisers scheduled to attend.