A Mom's Guide to the Land of Lincoln

Throughout our trip, Ella has been quietly leaving pennies behind, like memorial tokens. But rather than leave one at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, she finds one on the marble floor, planted there for treasure-hunters like her, just the beginning of the surprises here.

A Tim Russert newscast dissects the four candidates for president in 1860. A gallery features the faces of dozens of people arguing about emancipation. The kids gape in disbelief at a re-creation of the tiny one-room cabin where Lincoln and 10 of his family members lived.

Somber rooms devoted to the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's casket give us a chance to talk to Seth and Ella about equality, dissent and sacrifice. When the conversation gets a little too deep, we retreat to Mrs. Lincoln's Attic, where kids can play with Lincoln Logs and try on period clothes.

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Moms say Inventive presentations brilliantly tell the story of Lincoln's life. Expect weepy moments in the Gettysburg Address room (left) and alongside the casket.
Kids say Ella: Love the White House dresses. Seth: Love the electronic maps showing the progress of the Civil War battles. Both: Fun to dress up and play with old toys in Mrs. Lincoln's Attic.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum