D.C. firsts don't disappoint

On day three of the Amazing Abe Adventure in D.C., we had one first after another - and savored every one of them.

Watch future blog posts to hear about my experiences learning the nuances of the Metro and believing, "I can do this!"

Learn my feelings upon my first visit to the U.S. Capitol, which included stops at the House and Senate galleries. In an upcoming post, I'll tell you how to get tickets and gallery passes, all about the cool people we met there and how to get to the Library of Congress without having to go out and get wet in a D.C. rain that won't end.

Hear all about my visit to the Library of Congress and my excitement at getting to register as a researcher there so I can do Lincoln research.

Let me tell you about at great restaurant we found in Shirlington, Va., and the good time we had with old friends there.

The D.C. adventure continues. Thanks to all who made today one I'll never forget. Come back to read in detail how you all made it so.

Lincoln inaugural Bible to serve Obama, too

More exciting Lincoln news on the Obama front today. Most mainline news networks and even many obscure ones have picked up the news that President-elect Barack Obama will take his oath of office using the Bible Abraham Lincoln used at his 1861 inauguration.

Obama - One of Lincoln's greatest cheerleaders
Boy, with all the work my friends at the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Commission have done, they couldn't have asked for better public relations for our 16th president than the great PR he's getting from Obama - and they don't have any marketing expense for this great press!

Thank you, Mr. President-elect, for embracing and promoting the legacy of Lincoln. You're renewing an interest in Lincoln at an opportune time - his bicentennial year. Let's hope we can keep the momentum moving and have the greatest year for Lincoln scholarship ever!

Read about and see the Bible
Although you can find articles in many newspapers and online news sources, my friends at The State Journal-Register in Lincoln's longtime home, Springfield, had a good article today about Obama and the Bible, with some very nice photos. Be sure to check it out.

You'll also want to see the image of the back inside flaps of the Bible from the Library of Congress website. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it. You can actually read much of the handwriting inside it.

Happy holidays from the Land of Lincoln
I won't be blogging for a day or two so I can devote time to spending the holiday with my family. May you find this season a time to create warm memories with your loved ones, too.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Ann

Take a moment to remember

On a battlefield in Gettysburg 145 years ago today, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech which only lasted about two minutes, but which lives on in infamy as perhaps the most powerful speech of all time.

Please take a moment to remember and to reflect upon Lincoln’s words. To see images of the speech and learn more, see the Gettysburg exhibit on the Library of Congress website.

This just in - added Nov. 20
When I posted this blog entry last night, there were not yet any accounts available online chronicling Wednesday's Dedication Day activities at Gettysburg. This morning, I want to share with you an article by Erin James of the York Daily Record accounting the ceremony, filmwriter Ken Burns' speech and the honoring of the Union Colored Troops who fought and died.

© Copyright 2008 Ann Tracy Mueller. All rights reserved.