Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebrations

The 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln is being observed during 2009 with a number of events, tours and exhibits dedicated to our 16th President.

On February 12, celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln at The Lincoln Room (28 West Market, 610-696-2102), a tea room located in the historic Lincoln Building. A special menu and tours of the Lincoln Building plus a special Abraham Lincoln display. Reservations are recommended, call 610.696.2102.

An ongoing exhibit of Lincoln artifacts is featured at the Chester County Historical Society (225 North High St, 610-692-4800) with displays of authentic diaries, memorabilia and Lincoln artwork from the 1860s.

Interpretive guided walking tours begin in April at The Lincoln Room (28 West Market, 610-696-2102). Now a tea room located in the historic Lincoln Building where Lincoln's first biography was published, a guide dressed in historic costume describes West Chester's connection to Lincoln, the abolitionist movement, and the Underground Railroad.

The historic West Chester Public Library (415 North Church St, 610-696-1721) presents a lecture series during February including the The Laughing Lincoln: the Wit and Wisdom of Our Sixteenth President with historian Roger Arthur, and The Abraham Lincoln Murder Case.

Image: detail of the Lincoln Building (Market Street at Wilmont Mews). Built in 1833, it is the site where the first biography of Abraham Lincoln was published on February 11, 1860, leading to his eventual nomination and election to the presidency. Photo by Rick Davis.