Exploring Lincoln’s Life Through Images

Earlier this year, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum unveiled nearly 500 newly digitized, high-resolution images that expand the public’s visual connection to the life, legacy, and tragic end of President Abraham Lincoln. The collection features rare depictions of his assassin, John Wilkes Booth, haunting illustrations of a grief-stricken nation, and evocative portraits of places closely tied to Lincoln’s story, from simple dwellings to the iconic tomb where he is laid to rest.

This release builds upon the earlier “Picturing Lincoln” project, which already included more than 1,000 images such as portraits of Lincoln, scenes from his funeral, photographs of his descendants, and views of his resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Among the newly added materials are striking portrayals of Booth, ranging from photographic likenesses to artistic illustrations that cast him as a spectral or devilish figure. Other images capture the national mourning that followed Lincoln’s assassination, artistic renderings of Lincoln alongside America’s most revered leaders, and depictions of the environments that shaped his life.

The enhanced archive is hosted online as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and share Lincoln-related artifacts with the public. A grant from the Illinois State Library provided support for the project, enabling the digitization and public release of these valuable images.

For residents of Springfield and beyond, this growing collection offers a rare opportunity to explore the breadth of Lincoln’s legacy, from his early years in modest surroundings to the solemn grandeur of his final memorial. Together, the images provide a deeper appreciation of both the man and the enduring place he holds in American history.