By David J. Kent
Washington D.C.
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Eager to get back to reality in a post-COVID world? We're happy to report that more Lincoln venues have plans to reopen to the public soon. As with everything else this past year, Lincoln studies were relegated to virtual events from your own home computer. Not long ago we started to see that change. Previously we reported that the Library of Congress reopened four of its research reading rooms. Some of the Smithsonian museums also began to open in June, with most going back to their former schedules shortly. Ford's Theatre has been partially reopened on a limited basis since May. [Click on the links for more info]
The rollout continues. Today, President Lincoln's Cottage announced that as of July 1st they will go back to guided tours!
In recent months the Cottage had allowed limited self-guided tours. They also were able to offer a few outdoor "masked" experiences. They presented a variety of virtual programs, including lectures, a podcast, and a blog. But now visitors will have a knowledgeable docent guide them through the very rooms in which President Lincoln and his family lived during the hot summer months of 1862-1864. While there, be sure to visit museum and gift shop, especially the current exhibit examining Mary Lincoln's grief.
Another Washington DC venue also has plans to reopen. As mentioned, Ford's Theatre, the place where Lincoln was assassinated, partially reopened in the spring. In October 2021 they will return to live theatrical programming. According to Ford's Theatre Director Paul Tetreault:
We are thrilled to announce the return to in-person theatrical programming at Ford’s Theatre this fall. I hope you’ll join us for a compelling season of productions that explore Civil Rights icons, including the story of Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein’s friendship, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop, plus the anticipated premiere of D.C.-composer Nolan Williams, Jr.’s musical Grace and, of course, the joyful holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol.
Check the Ford's Theatre website for more information!
Keep checking back to this Lincolnian.org website for continuing updates and Abraham Lincoln news. Our next lecture is scheduled for September, but don't be surprised to see some additional events inserted later this summer. We're also looking to have a very special in-person program of our own in October!