Library of Congress Displays Lincoln Items

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Imagine what we would see if we could pick up these eyeglasses and view America through the eyes of Abraham Lincoln. We can't, but we can come close by looking at documents and artifacts on display at the Library of Congress.

To celebrate the bicentennial, the Library of Congress is displaying some rare artifacts. Included, is Lincoln's family bible used during his inauguration, and President Barack Obama's.

Curator John Sellers knows more about Lincoln's documents than most.

"They tell about the man, for example, his eyeglasses," he explained. There's a piece of thread holding the earpiece to one pair of eyeglasses. That's the same thread he had when he was shot.

Sellers says Lincoln grew up poor, which explains why he was holding onto a stray button.

Exhibit Director Cheryl Regan says Lincoln had that, and a host of other items the night he as assassinated.

"He had a pen knife, a stray button, some newspaper clippings that were favorable to his administration, and the only piece of money he had on his person was a $5 Confederate bill," Regan said.

Wait-a Confederate Bill? But why? Regan says he was holding onto it, "Probably... as a souvenir."

Growing up, Lincoln developed a unique writing style.

"The 'n' on Lincoln is always very slightly raised from the line," said Sellers. "He crosses his 't's across the entire word if there are two or three across. It's from right to left, it's zipping back, and you can pick that up."

You can see it on writing samples. Everything from important Presidential documents, to math equations he learned in school. Among other items, is the newspaper ad calling for the capture of John Wilkes Booth. Also, an original playbill from Our American Cousin.

There's also an interactive computer program that allows people to virtually follow Lincoln's funeral procession from Washington, DC, to Springfield, Illinois. It includes newspaper articles and photographs.

And let's not forget Mary Todd. On display is one of her ornate necklaces. If you look closely, you'll notice hundreds of little pearls. After all, history remembers her as a lavish spender.

But these are only a few of the items. If you spend enough time to read the documents, you'll learn a lot more about Lincoln, his life, and some of the drama of old-fashioned politics.

The exhibit, "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition," opens Thursday, February 12^th. The Library of Congress is extending its hours that night. It will be open until 9 p.m.