The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Presents - The "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America" Bicentennial Tour

The "ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF-MADE IN AMERICA" BICENTENNIAL TOUR a mobile museum exhibit was developed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Illinois. The exhibit is free of charge to the public and will travel the United States over the next two years inspiring visitors with the story of Lincoln's life and accomplishments. The only exhibit of its type in the country, the mobile museum uses an engaging mixture of interactive elements, graphics, facsimile documents and artifacts inside a 53-foot long, double expandable trailer to commemorate the Lincoln Bicentennial.

The exhibition examines Lincoln's life from his poor beginnings to his ascension to the presidency and his assassination. Highlights include a visual recreation of Lincoln's 1861 Farewell Address from a train car in Springfield as he left for the White House, and the award-winning "The Civil War in Four Minutes" video presentation.

The "Self-Made in America" mobile exhibit was funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, with corporate sponsorships being sought. It was developed by ALPLM curators and historians working in concert with Mobility Resource Associates (www.goMRA.com), a Michigan-based leader in creating custom mobile exhibition tours. The exhibit debuted April 27 at the American Association of Museums Convention in Denver, and is visiting key Bicentennial events through August 2010, as well as the 2008 national political conventions, major sporting events, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and other venues.

For tour sponsorship information or to request the exhibit, contact HPA.self-madetruck@illinois.gov