Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 1:08 PM by Taylor Studios in Design and Planning


“The little rare-ripe sort that are smarter at about five than ever after.” –Abraham Lincoln on the subject of children

A group of us from Taylor Studios decided to go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and I brought my husband and our two-year-old, Sam.

Sam came proudly toting his new Abraham Lincoln doll, and on the whole hour and a half drive down we tried to describe that we live in the United States, the United States has a leader called a president, and a long, long time ago, before grandma and grandpa were born, Abraham Lincoln was a president. Big concepts for a toddler who doesn’t speak in sentences yet.

Because Taylor Studios is currently working on a project about Abraham Lincoln, I thought the whole museum was very engaging and interesting. I especially loved the section about Mary Todd Lincoln and her social rivals in Washington, D.C.

My family’s favorite part of the museum experience was the “Lincoln’s Eyes” presentation. I was very interested to see how Sam reacted, in reference for little kids that would visit the museum we are working on. Thematic sound effects, booming cannons, lightning, people shouting about the Emancipation Proclamation, John Wilkes Booth’s gun going off with accompanying smoke…it’s a lot to take in. The seats even moved! I kept my eye on the exit sign and, as most parents would, tried to plan a graceful escape with my screaming child if need be. But Sam loved it! He clapped at the end and said it was a “good movie.”

Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, an interpretive play space complete with a doll house replica of Lincoln’s Springfield home, was Sam’s favorite part of the museum. I think he would have stayed for hours if we didn’t have to go eat lunch.

I often wonder at how children will react to museum experiences, especially historical ones that may not be as hands-on. I am continually amazed at how much my son understands. He may not remember that Abraham Lincoln was president from 1861-65, but he remembers that he had a wonderful time, he can now say “Lincoln,” and hopefully we are laying the groundwork for a love of lifelong learning. (https://content.taylorstudios.com/images/blog/Lincoln Family.jpg)Figures of the Lincoln family. Sam adores lifecast figures and mannequins. He hugs them in Old Navy. (https://content.taylorstudios.com/images/blog/Sam with young Lincoln.jpg)Me, Sam, Lincoln the doll, and a young Lincoln figure.

Share this on social networks