Abraham Lincoln in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 03/27/2013

Starting last Saturday, The Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America Exhibit opened its doors at The Grayslake Heritage Center for the final of only eleven stops across the country. This nationally traveling exhibition features reproductions of famous Lincoln possessions, including his surveying instruments and the gloves he wore the night he was assassinated.

[caption id="attachment_1261" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Lincoln Tomb"][/caption]

Unfortunately, I missed the grand opening of this exhibit last weekend because I was downstate. Yet, the excitement of the Abraham Lincoln exhibit coming to Lake County was enough to force me to make a stop in Springfield, Illinois on my way home just to see the Lincoln Tomb in person again. It’s been almost 10 years since I last visited Lincoln’s home, tomb and museum in Springfield, but every time I see these places in person, it brings a sense of pride to me that I was born and raised in the state of Illinois.

The Self-Made in America Exhibit features historical Abraham Lincoln pieces that normally would be on display at the Abraham Lincoln museum in Springfield, but without the hours of driving to get there. The fact that they’re conveniently right in our backyard in Lake County is quite exciting! Even though I missed the grand opening of this exhibit, I can’t wait to check it out soon in person and once again admire the life of one of America’s finest presidents.

The Grayslake Heritage Center will be open Wednesdays - Sundays with no admission fee, but donations are welcome. The Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America Exhibit runs through June 16, 2013. Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.