The California Museum Presents:
With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition

The exhibition contains nearly 200 objects, dating back to as early as 1828.

Lincoln's life mask Courtesy: i6.photobucket.com

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - In celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday, the Library of Congress's With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition will open at The California Museum in June 2009.

The prestigious exhibition will include Lincoln’s inaugural Bible, which President Obama also was sworn in on; Lincoln's draft of the Emancipation Proclamation; a facsimile of the Gettysburg Address; and other key pieces that illustrate the legacy of our 16th president.

The California Museum is the first of only five institutions selected to house this exhibition after it leaves the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The Museum is also the only institution west of Omaha, Nebraska, to have this honor.

"California is fueled by the dreamers, and what greater dreamer was there than Abraham Lincoln, whose aspirations for equality, tolerance, learning and integrity have been the foundation of what we call the American Dream," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"The California Museum has consistently provided unique and inspiring exhibits for families, and we're privileged to be one of the few locations able to view this exhibit of significant historic items that have a real modern day relevance."

"It's a great honor for Sacramento to be the only West Coast location to receive the Library of Congress’ Lincoln exhibit. The California Museum is an important asset to both Sacramento and to California. This exhibition will have a positive impact on our local economy making Sacramento a summer destination for tourists throughout the West Coast," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.

"I am looking forward to seeing Lincoln's inaugural Bible that our new President used for his oath of office."

"The California Museum is excited to partner with the Library of Congress," said The California Museum Executive Director Claudia French.

"The exhibition contains nearly 200 objects, dating back to as early as 1828. The exhibition will allow visitors a look into the soul of a man who is not only of unparalleled historic significance, but who has become a modern-day icon of equality, tolerance and inspiration."

The exhibition will draw on the diverse collections of Lincoln material in the Library of Congress, which include letters, photographs, political cartoons, speeches and artifacts. An item of renewed distinction is President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, which President Obama used for his own swearing-in ceremony in January.

Other exhibit items will include:

• A historically rare, original lithograph of the Emancipation Proclamation, as written by Lincoln
• Originals or facsimiles of speeches written by Lincoln, including the Gettysburg Address, his First and Second Inaugural addresses, and his Farewell Address at Springfield
• The contents of his pockets the night he was assassinated
• Lincoln's debate scrapbook
• Letters written and received by Lincoln to various friends, generals and the first lady
• Original drafts of poetry written by Lincoln and by Walt Whitman
• Life masks of Lincoln from 1860 and 1865
• Lincoln's grammar textbook, which he used to teach himself proper English

The California Museum views this exhibition not only as an opportunity to showcase items of historical significance, but also to include members of the community to begin a public dialogue on Lincoln's legacy and to participate in fun activities for families.

Programs planned for the summer include a formal opening night reception; a family - friendly activity day; a "California Conversation," which will be a moderated panel of political, civil rights and historical leaders and commentators discussing Lincoln's legacy; a Lincoln movie night and much more.

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for PG&E Nancy McFadden said, “PG&E is proud to be the lead sponsor of The California Museum's Lincoln Exhibit. We value giving back to our community and are excited to help support this unique opportunity to bring history to California.”

A companion book, In Lincoln's Hand: His Original Manuscripts With Commentary by Distinguished Americans, will feature original essays about Lincoln's most important documents, including the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. Contributors include writers E.L. Doctorow, the late John Updike, and Walter Mosely; scholars Drew Gilphin Faust, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and James McPherson; Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush; and actors Liam Neeson and Sam Waterston. The Library of Congress with Bantam Dell published the book.

With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition and its national tour are made possible through the generous support of Union Pacific Corporation. After The California Museum, the exhibition will travel to the Newberry Library in Chicago, the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, the Atlanta History Center, and The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska.

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For more information, visit: californiamuseum.org/exhibits/upcoming
The California Museum -- home of the California Hall of Fame and California Legacy Trails -- is a cultural destination dedicated to telling the rich history of California and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. We advance our mission to inspire through educating school children through dynamic exhibits and educational programs, as well as serving as a public forum and international meeting place. The California Museum is located at 1020 O Street, (Corner of 10th Street), downtown Sacramento. For more information 916.653.7524, info@californiamuseum.org, www.californiamuseum.org.