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

All New Discovery Tour

                                                                                                           

Between the winding cave walls awaits an adventure for those of any age, at Howe Caverns. A truly mesmerizing wonder that should be on every families bucket list when visiting Upstate New York. It’s no wonder why Howe Caverns is the second most visited natural site in the entire state of New York.

Traditional Tour - Strap on your favorite pair of walking shoes and prepare for a 90 minuet experience like no other. The traditional tour is perfect for families, since the majority of the trip involves walking through the caverns on a clear and well lit path, alongside the tranquil river. Enter the elevator, set to take you 15 stories underground, into a refreshingly cool abyss. Stroll past the living limestone cave walls, a picturesque journey made possible from over millions of years in the making.

      

           

Signature Rock Discovery Tour -Guests will finally find out the answer to the age old question that has been asked on the Traditional Tour for years, ‘What’s behind the dam doors?’ Howe Caverns is unveiling portions of the caverns that have not been open to public in over 100 years! 

This 2.5 hour exploration, gives guests the opportunity to see firsthand the caverns just as Lester Howe did over one century ago. Travel by boat, on foot and on hands and knees. Highlights of the tour include: The Dam, The Old Boat,The Music Hall, The Pipeline, Tower of Babel, The Haunted Castle, and Signature Rock. Containing over hundreds of initials of past visitors, dating back to 1843. Including the signature of Mr.Howe, and possibly past United States Presidents. 

Unlike the traditional tour, there are no modern conveniences such as lights or walkways (Helmets with headlamps, boots and other necessary gear will be provided, ages 14+).