Welcome to “Stories from the Vault” the official podcast of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Each month we’ll be bringing you stories and insights about the artifacts, events, and life of our nation’s sixteenth President.

  • Episode 15, The 13th Amendment: This month, we speak with Dr. James Cornelius about our recently restored copy of the 13th Amendment which has been signed and dated by Abraham Lincoln. You can also view our companion“Stories from the Vault” video which shows the document. Listen/Download
  • Episode 14, The Commissioner’s Sale Document for Slaves: This month, we sit down with Dr. James Cornelius to discuss the broadside announcement for a slave auction in Mr. Lincoln’s home county in Kentucky. Listen/Download
  • Episode 13, An interview with Abraham Lincoln presenter, Fritz Klein: On this episode of Stories from the Vault, we speak with Fritz Klein who has been portraying Abraham Lincoln for over 30 years. We discuss a wide variety of topics and he delivers an amazing version of Mr. Lincoln’s Farewell Address to Springfield. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 12, “Killing Lincoln” Book Discussion: On a special podcast, a panel of historians including: James Cornelius (Lincoln Curator, ALPLM), Daniel Stowell (Director and Editor, Papers of Abraham Lincoln), Ron Keller (Assistant Professor of History and Political Science, Lincoln College, and Director, Lincoln Heritage Museum), and Matthew Holden (Wepner Distinguished Professor in Political Science, University of Illinois Springfield) discuss the Bill O’Reilly/Martin Dugard book, “Killing Lincoln”. The panel is moderated by former Chicago Tribune reporter Patrick Reardon. Listen to the Stream/Download
  • Episode 9, The Stereocards of Mr. Lincoln’s first tomb & the box at Ford’s Theatre: In addition to talking about the stereocards, we talk with Dr. Cornelius about a recent donation surrounding the receiving vault at Oak Ridge Cemetery, and a discovery made as a result of our blog. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 8, The Effigy Doll of Mr. Lincoln: This month we talk with Dr. James Cornelius about our Featured Artifact of the Month: The Effigy Doll of Mr. Lincoln. We also find out which biography is Dr. Cornelius’ favorite and settle a small Bob Dylan discrepancy. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 6, An interview with Richard Hellesen: On this episode of Stories from the Vault, we sit down with playwright Richard Hellesen. We discuss his writing process, the play One Destiny and his newest work Necessary Sacrifices. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 5, Mr. Lincoln’s Presidential Seal: Once again, we visit with Dr. James Cornelius about our Featured Artifact of the Month, Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Seal. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 2, Mr. Lincoln’s Bloody Gloves: We talk with Dr. James Cornelius about our Featured Artifact of the Month: Mr. Lincoln’s Bloody Gloves. We also talk about events surrounding Mr. Lincoln’s assassination, the conspiracy surrounding the death of John Wilkes Booth, and historian Thomas Lowry. Listen to the stream/Download
  • Episode 1, Mary Lincoln’s Cameo Portraits: We talk with our curator Dr. James Cornelius about our Featured Artifact of the Month for March. We also find out the story behind the donation of a rare photo of Mr. Lincoln’s son, Willie and we answer your questions submitted online. The episode is available for download here: Stories from the Vault Episode 1