Journey Two
The White House Years

Lying in State is an immersive scene. It is a nearly full-scale re-creation of the Representatives Hall in Springfield's Old State Capitol, at the exact moment in May, 1865 when Lincoln lay in state, complete with all the lavish trappings of Victorian-era mourning. Having walked through Lincoln's life, you will now file past the closed casket as though you, too, are paying your last respects.




Holding on to Lincoln – Lincoln may have been a polarizing figure during his presidency, but his death triggered a vast emotional response in a country whose people suddenly wanted to "get close" to Lincoln and to "hold on" to the security and leadership he represented. As a result, they collected and saved as souvenirs some of the objects he had touched, some fascinating, others strange. Here you can see some of these objects and read their stories.