An original copy of the Gettysburg Address, handwritten by Abraham Lincoln, will soon be on display for a limited time at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Illinois. Starting November 15 and continuing through November 24, visitors will have a rare opportunity to view this historic document before it returns to a climate-controlled vault for preservation.
In honor of the 161st anniversary of Lincoln's famous speech on November 19, the museum will offer free admission for the day, allowing the public to witness the address at no cost. Throughout the rest of the display period, guests can pay a reduced fee of $5 to view the Gettysburg Address without purchasing full museum admission.
The anniversary celebration will also feature a special visit from students of Ashikaga, Japan, Springfield’s sister city, who will recite the address, showcasing the speech’s enduring influence across cultures.
The Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a cemetery for soldiers killed in the Battle of Gettysburg, remains one of the most powerful pieces of American oratory. In just 272 words, Lincoln honored the fallen and redefined the purpose of the Civil War, famously describing the struggle as a fight to protect “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Christina Shutt, executive director of ALPLM, highlighted the significance of this event. “In 272 powerful words, Abraham Lincoln captured the pain of the Civil War and the truth of what was at stake: a new birth of freedom,” she said. “This handwritten copy of his address is a national treasure. We hope offering free admission allows more people to appreciate it in person.”
The display will include additional features, such as historical photos, Spanish translations, and an interactive survey. A QR code is available for visitors needing an accessible, easy-to-read version or an audio recording of the speech. On November 21 and 22, Lincoln historian Christian McWhirter will offer insights into the address, discussing Lincoln's inspiration and the message he sought to convey to a divided nation.
Five known copies of the Gettysburg Address exist, each handwritten by Lincoln himself. The ALPLM’s copy, known as the “Everett Copy,” is one of the few that is regularly made available to the public. In addition to the museum’s annual display, anyone unable to visit in person can explore a virtual version of the speech on the museum's website. The webpage offers an in-depth look at the document, with annotations and educational resources designed to help readers understand Lincoln’s words and their impact on American ideals.
Since 1944, the State of Illinois has held ownership of this copy, thanks to funds raised by Illinois schoolchildren to acquire the document from private owners. Brian Mitchell, director of research and interpretation at ALPLM, reflected on the unique impact of seeing the speech in person: “Most people know a few famous phrases from the Gettysburg Address, but they haven’t thought much about what the words mean or how they influenced the nation’s ideals. Seeing the document in person offers a rare chance to connect personally and reflect on what it asks of us as individuals and as a country.”
