The Lincoln Connection

To commemorate the 150^th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, ILOVENY and New York's Path Through History have teamed up to expose visitors to events and historic sites throughout New York State that directly relate to Lincoln's life and era. 

A Flag for the Ages: Abraham Lincoln and the New York State Capitol (2.2 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station): On August 6 and September 3, the New York State Capitol Building in Albany will host this exhibition, highlighting the 16^th president's historic connections to New York State, his 1861 visit to the State Capitol, as well as his laying in state at the Old New York State Capitol on April 26, 1865.

This exhibition will also showcase the national flag placed around the bier upon which Lincoln's casket was rested. Artifacts will be on display that explore Lincoln's death and funeral more closely, and New York State's contribution to the Civil War will also be noted.

Civil War Artifacts Exhibit (1.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station): Now through December 31, explore the New York State Military Museum's sizable collection of authentic civil war artifacts. Highlights include a civil war canon, soldiers' uniforms, and the A.C. Redwood painting, “Red-Legged Devils at Gettysburg.”

The Lincoln Depot Museum (8.1 miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak station) currently hosts two different collections of vintage Lincoln items and photos:

• The Brian D. Caplan Collection: Containing over one hundred artifacts, images, and trinkets – including vintage campaign buttons from Lincoln's presidential runs, lockets, and hand carved pipes in Lincoln's likeness.

• Lincoln and New York: The Indispensable Relationship: Explores Lincoln's ties to the town of Peekskill, as well as the role New Yorkers played in Lincoln's two elections. Artifacts on display include rare maps, photos, and a Lincoln signed order.

The Grant Cottage State Historic Site (9.4 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station), home of Lincoln's Commanding General, Ulysses S. Grant, will also host several educational programs in August and September:

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  Grant and his Saratoga Connections: 1865-1885: On August 19, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, in collaboration with Friends of Grant Cottage, will present an informative PowerPoint program exploring Ulysses S. Grant's connections with the people and places of Saratoga, through a selection of stories and pictures.

• You Are There: April 9, 1865: On September 12, experience the surrender at Appomattox through an old-fashioned radio broadcast. This radio re-enactment and dramatization is based on reports of the actual event, with musical selections by the 77^th NY Regimental Balladeers, sound effects, reporter coverage, and appearances by notable historical characters.

For more historical, Lincoln-related events and information on a 15% discount for Amtrak travelers within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

Visit iloveny.com/lincoln to learn more about this special commemoration and plan your family's next historical experience! #iloveny #Lincoln150