Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – Springfield, Illinois
Walk through the library, enjoy the grounds, learn about the life of the President from prior to his election to the assassination.
While visiting the museum you will be offered the opportunity to go on a number of journeys that travel through the life and times of Lincoln. Journey One – The Pre-Presidential Years is the first. You will enter this phase of the museum through the log cabin that is on display. Did you know that Lincoln was self taught? That he borrowed the books he read and read them by firelight? Can you imagine you doing that now?
Did you know that Lincoln made his first dollar working as a ferryman on the Ohio River? It may well be that this is where Lincoln first encountered slavery and saw slave auctions and the cruelty involved in selling another human being as a product.
You will see New Salem where it is rumored that Lincoln had an infatuation toward Ann Rutledge, although never confirmed, the rumor persists. Then you will go on to Springfield where the story of Lincoln and Mary begins.
You will see the Lincoln-Herndon law office. Lincoln is stretched out on the couch and is blissfully reading a newspaper while his boys, Willie and Tad, run riot tearing the place apart.
Campaign 1860 brings the campaign of 1860 to life for contemporary visitors with multiple video monitors featuring an election coverage TV news program analyzing the campaign in which Lincoln won the presidency. This daring and different approach makes the complex four-way presidential race of 1860 understandable to today’s audiences by accurately translating the issues and strategies of 1860 into the sound-bite media bursts of today.
You will want to take the time for The Union Theater, presented by Exelon.
A multi-venue special effects theater featuring, at various times: "Lincoln’s Eyes" – A spectacular look at the life and times of Lincoln, "Storyteller Theater" – A storyteller with programmed theatrical effects and other events, seminars, lectures and special programs.
Journey Two – The White House Years, you will go through the life and times and trials of the President during his struggle to lead the country through the times of the Civil War.
There is a display of the dressing room where Mary is being fitted for a new ball gown, just look at the layers they had to wear! Beautiful, but wow! What a pain!
Fort Sumter is a gallery presenting a dramatic mural of Confederate forces attacking Fort Sumter only six weeks after Lincoln’s inauguration. The Civil War has begun.
This history and story of the Lincoln presidency is carried forth in great detail in this facility. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to absorb all the information and emotion that the museum will provide.
MUSEUM — 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM DAILY
CLOSED — New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
LIBRARY — PUBLIC HOURS — 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM DAILY
RESEARCH HOURS
MONDAY — FRIDAY — 9:00 AM — 4:30 PM
SATURDAY — 9:00 AM — 3:30 PM
SUNDAY — CLOSED
Phone: (800) 610-2094 or (217) 782-5764
Parking is available in the Museum Parking Garage, located on the corner of Sixth and Madison Streets. The rate is $.50hour. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except.
The Library has no admission charge. The Museum’s admission fee is:
Adult (16 – 61 years of age) $7.50
Senior (62 years of age and up) $5.50
Children (5 – 15 years of age) $3.50
Military (id required) $5.50
Students (school/college id required) $5.50
Child (under 5 are free) No Charge
Ticket price includes admission to the exhibit areas and both theater presentations.
For what languages are the show scripts translated?
For both theater presentations we offer translated scripts in French, Russian, Spanish and Chinese. To request a copy at the Museum — locate a staff member outside the theater to assist you.
Photography is only allowed in the Gateway, Plaza and Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic in the Museum.
It is suggested to allow 2 ½ to 3 hours for your visit.
The ALPLM is near several other historic sites: the Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices and Lincoln’s Home are just blocks away. The Dana — Thomas House, Vachel Lindsay Home, Governors’ Mansion and the State Capitol are all within walking distance.
The newly opened Union Station Visitor Center, located in Springfield, has begun delivering information to visitors that reflect not only Springfield area historic sites and events but Illinois tourism as a whole. Union Station Visitor Center is strategically located across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Another service available at the center includes on-site booking of hotel accommodations and special event packages that are scheduled across the state of Illinois (217) 557-4588.