Think you know America’s most famous president?

In 2009, get to know the real Lincoln.

In 2009, the Chicago History Museum invites you to get to know Abraham Lincoln. February 12 marks the beginning of a year-long bicentennial celebration of Lincoln’s birth. Throughout the year, the Museum will present a variety of exhibitions and programs that will uncover the complexities of Lincoln and reveal a man who was much like us—a spouse, a parent, a concerned citizen, a worrywart, and a dreamer.

As the caretaker of one of the foremost collections of Lincoln material, the Chicago History Museum is leading the citywide effort to make Chicago one of the most important national sites for celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial. Join us to get to know the man behind the beard.

Gettysburg Address

April 1, 2009 through May 3,2009

On view in the exhibition Lincoln Treasures, see Lincoln's handwritten speech that moved the nation toward understanding the reasons behind the country's bloodiest war. Four months after the end of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln delivered his brief but powerful speech at the battle site for the dedication of the soldiers’ cemetery. See one of the five handwritten copies of the speech, on loan from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

Check back frequently to learn more about this special year of exhibitions, activities, and events.

Kick-off Events and Exhibitions

> Happy Birthday Abe!: Thursday, February 12

> Lincoln Treasures exhibition: Opens Thursday, February 12

> "Lincoln at 200" online exhibition: Launches Thursday, February 12

> Presidents' Day: Monday, February 16

> The Last Lincolns Lecture and Book Signing, March 31

> Member-only event: The Gettysburg Address Lecture, April 9

Exelon is the presenting sponsor of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial. Additional support is provided by the Crown Family and Gordon and Carole Segal. Lincoln Bicentennial programming is supported by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation and The Guild of the Chicago Historical Society.