Lincoln: The Presidential Library

One of the greatest projects to take place in my city of Springfield, Illinois is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This is a great idea and begs the question why was this not done sooner. With so many presidents now having libraries dedicated to their presidencies, it only makes sense to have one dedicated to one who had such a large impact on the nation.

From a local (Springfield) point of view, the presidential library and museum offers a focal point for the city's greatest tourist attractions - the so-called Lincoln Sites (his home, his law office, the train station where he left for Washington, the Old State Capitol building, his tomb, etc.).

The presidential library portion has been open to the public for several months but the more ambitious museum is not going to open until April 16 of this year.

Modern presidents all have libraries an museums ready not long after they leave office. I don't think it too tough to get everything together for these facilities since the presidential library is assumed even as the administration is in power. But Lincoln's has to have been much tougher to get together. Prior to the start of this project, all Lincoln memorabilia belonged to someone, or something, else. I wondered how inclusive the displays would be given this fact. From what I understand, though, donations have been generous.

If you are interested, a live presidential library cam is available here. This shot really doesn't do the building justice.

One other local note: This new presidential library might cause a bit of confusion here. It already has for me. You see, Springfield's public library is called Lincoln Library. Always has been, as long as I've been here. So, locals think of the public library when you mention Lincoln Library. Although the new presidential library is technically called the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, I suspect visitors will be inquiring about the "Lincoln Library". Hell, I've already caught myself doing it.