Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Resources
Interesting Things to Look For
Leonard Volk took these original casts of Lincoln's hands on May 20, 1860, two days after the Republican Party nominated the former Illinois congressman as its presidential candidate. Lincoln's right hand was still swollen from shaking hands with congratulating supporters. Volk wanted the right hand to be grasping an object, so Lincoln went out to his woodshed and cut a piece from a broom handle, which is preserved in the artist's cast.
This bill authorizing the erection of the Washington Monument was dated January 25, 1838. At what stage of construction would the monument been at when the Lincoln's resided in the White House? Look for clues in the exhibits!
