Rarely before seen Abraham Lincoln-related images now available to public. What to know

Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal- Register

More than 1,000 high-resolution photos connected to Abraham Lincoln are now available online through an initiative by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Most of the photos in “Picturing Lincoln” have never been online before and only available to researchers.

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Here's what to know.

Are all of the photos of Abraham Lincoln?

According to the library, 129 of the photos are of Lincoln. Some are from his time in Springfield, and some are from his presidency.

Almost 200 of the photos are of Lincoln’s Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, including some of Lincoln’s coffin when it was unearthed during a construction project in 1901.

A black and white photograph of President Abraham Lincoln, from early 1864. The “Picturing Lincoln” initiative by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum means more than 1,000 high-resolution photos will be available to the public online.
A black and white photograph of President Abraham Lincoln, from early 1864. The “Picturing Lincoln” initiative by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum means more than 1,000 high-resolution photos will be available to the public online.

Dozens of photos are related to Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, his funeral and the execution of the conspirators who plotted his death.

Are there other Lincoln family members represented?

There are also photos of Robert Lincoln, the only son of Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive past his teenage years, as well as Lincoln's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

What about Lincoln's animals and pets?

Old Bob, Lincoln's carriage horse, is represented in an 1865 photo with then owner John Flynn. Old Bob was part of the cortège preceding Lincoln's funeral in Springfield,

There is also a photo of the Lincoln family dog, Fido.

Pictured are Abraham Lincoln’s great-grandchildren, Mary Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. The "Picturing Lincoln" initiative by the Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum means more than 1,000 high-resolution photos will be available to public online.
Pictured are Abraham Lincoln’s great-grandchildren, Mary Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. The "Picturing Lincoln" initiative by the Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum means more than 1,000 high-resolution photos will be available to public online.

What is Daniel Day-Lewis doing in the collection?

Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis is pictured with historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin in the vault beneath the presidential library in 2010.

Day-Lewis was then researching the president who he played in Steven Spielberg's 2012 film, "Lincoln." The film was based in part on Goodwin’s 2005 book “Team of Rivals.”

More: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis visits Springfield to research Lincoln role

What's the resolution of the photos?

The images have a resolution of 600 dpi (dots per inch).

What are they saying about the photos?

“Abraham Lincoln’s legacy belongs to the world, so the whole world should be able to see these images. They show the highs and lows of President Lincoln’s life, remind us of the nation’s deep mourning at his death, and give us a glimpse into the lives of descendants he would never see," Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, said.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, "these photos represent a virtual treasure trove that tells a rich and vibrant story of one of our nation’s most influential leaders."

Where can I see the images?

Go to the Illinois State Library's website.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Rarely before seen Abraham Lincoln-related images available to public

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