President Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum–Springfield Illinois

the predicted rains have arrived, so this will be a great day for indoor activities. . .

let’s begin with the Presidential Museum. . .
$12 pp – $9 for Seniors. . .we don’t qualify YET. . .LOL!

a docent greeted us as we entered. . .

explained how the museum is set up. . .

and very kindly offers to take our photo with the Lincoln family. . .loved it!

We believe we will start with Journey I – Lincoln’s Early Years. . .

photography is not allowed inside. . .but let me tell you. . .

if every museum were set up like this. . .

I would enjoy visiting a lot more of them. . .

History literally comes to life as you step through the door of the Log Cabin. . .

see authorized images here

showings for Ghosts of the Library are every quarter hour. . .

we believe we will see that next. . .

oh wow. . .this you need to see for yourself. . .very meaningful. . .I cried. . .

the story is told so well and so purposefully. . .no words to explain.
see authorized images here

Lincoln’s Eyes shows every half hour. . .

the schedule works out perfectly to see that next. . .

very cool. . .special effects theatre. . .the seats move, jump, and vibrate. . .

I jumped. . .a lot!  Very well done. . .

much more conjecture to the story. . .

but an honest look at how much Lincoln aged in the time of his presidency. . .

see authorized images here

that leaves us with Journey II – The White House Years

Lincoln’s time in the White House was very dark and grim,

and that is reflected in the Journey. . .from the death of his son Willie,

to the grim realities of a war where thousands of Americans were dying. . .

it was easy to become immersed in the feel of it. . .


Even now just writing about it, I can feel that same sense of hopelessness

that must have pervaded Lincoln’s life during those years. .

see authorized images here


Other than Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. . .

this may be the favorite thing I have seen from a historical aspect. . .


I read way more stuff, and listened to way more speeches,

and spent way more time experiencing it all

than I normally ever do in a museum. . .

even more so, I think,  than Dave. . .

who really, really enjoys a good museum. . .or three!

the Presidential Library is right across the street. . .

the façade is identical to the Museum. . .

we were told there is not much to see there. ..

that it is an Archives and Research Facility,

and they were right. . .

there were a few corridors you could go up and down

with portraits and such. . .much more what I think of as a museum. . .

again. . .no photography. . .

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

It was a wonderful thing to do on a rainy day. . .

enjoyed it all very much. . .

Arrived back at the motorhome to discover a roof leak. . .

Dave has gone off the the RV Supply to pick up self leveling roof compound. . .

yaaa. . .should be a fun project. . .NOT!


See you next time at the Illinois State Capitol. . .

‘til then,

Janice and Dave

as an added plus of stopping by the Visitor’s Center

a three day guest pass which allows you to park at the

gray topped meters for free during the week. . .

and then weekends are automatically free.

It’s a nice little perk

Thank you City of Springfield

check out more of Springfield on our friends blog:
Land of Lincoln – Part I

LiveJournal Tags: LiveJournal Tags: Full Time RV Living,Motorhome Travel,Illinois,Springfield IL,Lincoln Presidential Museum,Lincoln Presidential Library