| Exhibit Worth Day Trip To Topeka |
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| Opinion | |||
| Written by Kevin Gray | |||
| Wednesday, 01 July 2009 08:00 | |||
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After Abraham Lincoln spent Dec. 1 to 6, 1859, in Kansas, a few months later in March, he said, “If I went west, I think I would go to Kansas.” He didn’t make it to Osawatomie, even though he had been invited. Instead, he spent what was described as a cold, uncomfortable presidential campaign swing in the northeast corner of the state with Leavenworth, his last stop, being about the closest he came to Osawatomie. Why he didn’t make it to the city has been in question: the bad weather, divided factions (for and against slavery) within the newly forming Kansas Republican Party, and then, possibly, John Brown. Who knows for sure? Lincoln just so happened to be in Atchison on Dec. 2, the day John Brown was hanged. Lincoln responded to the hanging by saying, “Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against the state. We cannot object, even though he agreed with us in thinking slavery wrong. That cannot excuse violence, bloodshed and treason. It could avail him nothing that he might think himself right.” I would highly recommend a visit to the Kansas State Historical Society and their Lincoln in Kansas exhibit, which is also celebrating the 200th year of Lincoln’s birth. With Bleeding Kansas, John Brown, and Osawatomie in the spotlight and a rising star in presidential politics nearby, the museum has captured something that everyone should see. A banner from the Lincoln-Douglas debates, a flag used in the 1860 presidential campaign, mementoes of Lincoln’s assassination and so much more, including interactive learning experiences, not just for the kids but for the adults, are available. Blair Tarr, museum curator, and his staff have prepared clearly explained photographs and items designed to walk visitors through the exhibit. Several children from the lower grades through high school were there with grandmothers apparently enjoying the history, as well as the full-sized cut out of Abe, where they could try on a top hat to compare their height to his 6’ 4”. The exhibit was supposed to end July 26 but due to funding shortfalls, Old Abe should remain in Topeka through October, making this the perfect field trip outing for school children. Be looking for my expanded story about Abraham Lincoln in Friday’s Weekend paper and perhaps start penciling in a date for your own tour. But don’t rule out a day trip some time soon. The visitor friendly nature of the museum and the cool darkness of the exhibit makes for an inviting escape from the hot air outside. The museum contains many activities inside and out for children.
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