Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life (Smithsonian Exhibit)

As part of the Smithsonian-wide celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Museum will bring together—for the first time—its unique and unparalleled Lincoln collection. Through a focused selection of nationally important Lincoln artifacts, visitors will explore the life and times of this extraordinary figure. Each highlighted object will be augmented with personal stories told by Lincoln and the people who knew him best. The exhibition will showcase more than 60 historical treasures associated with Lincoln's life from an iron wedge he used to split wood in the early 1830s in New Salem, Ill., to his iconic top hat he wore the night he was shot at Ford’s Theatre. The exhibition will tell a new and very intimate story of the life and legacy of this remarkable individual.

Visit the online version of this exhibition to explore artifacts from Lincoln's life, including the wedge he used to split wood in the 1830s, an office suit used during his presidency, and the top hat he wore to Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1865.