Lincoln Rediscovered: A Summer Symposium
Seats are rapidly filling up for the Abraham Lincoln Association's 2024 Summer Symposium, hosted at the picturesque Cantigny Park Visitors’ Theater Center in Wheaton, Illinois. This captivating half-day event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2024, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (without a lunch break). For further information and a lineup of esteemed speakers, click here. Please RSVP to Kay Smith at kaysmith.ala@gmail.com. Attendance is free but seating is limited to 100.
Pritzkers Donate Lincoln's Civil War Order to Museum
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M.K. Pritzker, have donated a handwritten order signed by President Abraham Lincoln to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. The order, crafted during the Civil War, directs the blockade of Southern ports to prevent Confederate cotton shipping and the import of critical needs. The Pritzkers have previously purchased several items for the museum, including a $400,000 bust of the 16th president once displayed at the Lincoln family home. Notably, Gov. Pritzker’s proposed budget allocates $27.2 million for the museum in the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a substantial increase of nearly 40% from fiscal year 2023.
New Mary Todd Lincoln Letter Found
A recently unearthed letter penned by former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln offers a rare glimpse into her character. Addressed to George Harrington, then serving as assistant secretary of the Treasury, the letter was discovered among the archives of Harrington's descendants. In it, Mrs. Lincoln advocates for a woman seeking employment within the Treasury Department, unusual for a woman during that time period. The letter, presumed to date back to 1864, is currently being offered for sale by Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, with an asking price of $15,000.
Become an ALA Member Today
We invite you to be a part of the exciting times ahead by joining as a member of The Abraham Lincoln Association. As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to insightful publications, engaging events, and a community of fellow Lincoln enthusiasts. Whether you’re a historian, a student, or simply a lover of American history, your membership will enrich your understanding and appreciation of one of America's most remarkable figures. To become a member or renew your current membership, click here.