It features many Lincoln items, including his letters to Stephen A. Douglas and Ulysses S. Grant, campaign materials from 1860, a bronze bust, life mask and hands of Lincoln created by Chicago sculptor Leonard Volk, Lincoln's watch and spectacles, numerous photographs, and the bed upon which Lincoln died. The exhibition concludes with an original copy of the 13th amendment abolishing slavery, signed by Lincoln. It also features a video, five audio presentations, and recorded period music that help bring the past to life. Discover their extraordinary achievements in this compelling exhibition. The Illinois Pioneer Life Gallery brings to life the daily activities of Illinois's early settlers through demonstrations of household and farmyard chores.
Visitors can observe the spinning of flax, the weaving of yarn, and the printing of a broadside.
Fort Dearborn and Frontier Chicago documents the city's early establishment as a frontier outpost and fur trading center. In this gallery, adults and children can see, touch, and discover history. Join a collaborative team of historians and forensic scientists investigating the authenticity of the cloak and other Lincoln assassination relics. The Dramas of Haymarket examines the circumstances and the legacy surrounding the events at Haymarket Square, interpreting many of the objects found in the Historical Society's Haymarket Affair Digital Collection . Surprising Stories From America's Past See George Washington's vest and Sally Rand's fans - along with many other remarkable pieces from the Historical Society's collection.