Reflections on Grief and Child Loss

Three of Abraham and Mary Lincoln's four sons did not live past the age of eighteen. The trauma of child loss shaped both Lincolns. It seeded new fears and deepened the limits of their emotional and mental endurance. It changed the character and course of their lives. It also brought them to the Cottage on the grounds of the 'Old Soldiers' Home' following Willie's death in 1862.

Our new exhibit weaves together the Lincolns' experience with modern grieving families.  The exhibit can be seen with the purchase of a self-guided, timed entry ticket.