Abraham Lincoln (Online Conference Series)

The face of Abraham Lincoln is so much with us, from Mount Rushmore to the penny, that it is easy to overlook anything human in it. Before we see wisdom, compassion, humor, sorrow, or any other quality, we see a symbol, as familiar in its outlines as the Statue of Liberty. Lincoln was a symbol in his own time—of the Union or emancipation or tyranny —but he was still a man, not yet a monument. Physically, he was a figure of fun, as much to himself as to others. Once when he was accused of being “two-faced,” he replied, “If I had two faces, would I be wearing this one?” In the first lesson in this issue, students take a close look at Lincoln the man, as seen in two photographs, taken in 1860 and 1865, and in two plaster “life masks,” made in the same years. This exercise in portrait analysis leads to a study of events in the years between—years that changed Lincoln drastically—and might serve as an introduction to a unit on the Civil War. In the second lesson, students examine an eyewitness drawing of Lincoln’s arrival in the enemy capital of Richmond, Virginia, at the end of the war. As he moved among former slaves, Lincoln the person became freedom’s personification. Never before had an appearance by a president—the mere showing of his face—meant more to his audience.

Harry Rubenstein, curator of Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, shows us one of his favorite pieces in the museum's collection, Lincoln's wood splitting iron wedge. Harry leads us through the process of verifying that this object truly belonged to Lincoln. This video series, "Explore with Smithsonian Experts," connects students and teachers with the skill and technique of Smithsonian experts who describe their work at our nation's museums. In each short film, experts introduce new ways to observe, record, research, and share, while using real artifacts and work experiences. Supports Common Core ELA standards. Produced by the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access and Pearson Foundation.

When a man called the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and claimed that his great-great grandfather had written a secret message in Lincoln's watch, curator Harry Rubenstein was intrigued. Listen as Harry explains the steps he took to verify this family folklore. This video series, "Explore with Smithsonian Experts," connects students and teachers with the skill and technique of Smithsonian experts who describe their work at our nation's museums. In each short film, experts introduce new ways to observe, record, research, and share, while using real artifacts and work experiences. Supports Common Core ELA standards. Produced by the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access and Pearson Foundation.

The obvious crack along the top of this photo of Lincoln from February 1865 occurred just after the photographer captured the image. David C. Ward, historian at the National Portrait Gallery, explains how this picture has become a work of myth, suggesting that at the very moment of success, an accident can occur. This video series, "Explore with Smithsonian Experts," connects students and teachers with the skill and technique of Smithsonian experts who describe their work at our nation's museums. In each short film, experts introduce new ways to observe, record, research, and share, while using real artifacts and work experiences. Supports Common Core ELA standards. Produced by the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access and Pearson Foundation.

In this session, join a Smithsonian curator as he sheds new light on an unfamiliar side of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is the only President to have been awarded a patent; handled several patent cases during his years as an attorney; and offered public lectures on invention and innovation. Presented by: Tom Crouch Senior Curator, Aeronautics Division National Air and Space Museum Original Airdate: February 5, 2009

This session examines a variety of Civil War-related photography with the goal of gaining a greater understanding of how photography was incorporated into everyday lives, and how we value those photographs today as historical objects. Presented by: Shannon Thomas Perich Associate Curator National Museum of American History Original Airdate: February 5, 2009

Explore the concept of reading portraiture and, in this case, what a portrait might say about Abraham Lincoln and the era in which he lived. Presented by: Briana Zavadil White School and Teacher Program Coordinator National Portrait Gallery Original Airdate: February 4, 2009

Join a Smithsonian historian and exhibition curator as he examines how Abraham Lincoln used the new art of photography to convey his image to Americans, letting them see in him what they most desired in a leader. Presented by: David C. Ward Historian National Portrait Gallery Original Airdate: February 4, 2009

View a facilitated discussion among participants of lesson ideas involving Lincoln. Michelle M. Hammond Smithsonian Teacher Ambassador & Maryland Teacher of the Year (2007)

Through a selection of images of nationally important Lincoln artifacts, participants will explore the life and times of this extraordinary figure. Each object will convey an aspect of Lincoln's character and experiences. Presented by: Harry R. Rubenstein Chair, Division of Politics and Reform Smithsonian's National Museum of American History Original Airdate: February 4, 2009 Please note: the video recording of this session is best viewed at full screen. You can stay connected with the Smithsonian's upcoming online events and view a full collection of past sessions on a variety of topics.: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/events/online_events.html

In this online workshop, Museum Educator Jeff Meade uses images on United States postage stamps to create topical stamp collections based on the theme of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War history. Presented by: Jeff Meade School & Tours Coordinator National Postal Museum Original Airdate: February 4, 2009 You can stay connected with the Smithsonian's upcoming online events and view a full collection of past sessions on a variety of topics.: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/events/online_events.html

In this online session, join a Smithsonian historian as she examines how the public first heard of President Abraham Lincoln's death and how Lincoln's death was portrayed in popular images. Presented by: Pamela M. Henson Director, Institutional History Division Smithsonian Institution Archives Original Airdate: February 4, 2009 You can stay connected with the Smithsonian's upcoming online events and view a full collection of past sessions on a variety of topics.: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/events/online_events.html