Annual Soiree
The annual Lincoln College Soiree is our largest annual fundraising event, and the evening includes a wonderful meal, dancing, and an auction of historical memorabilia. Nearly $20,000 was raised at the last event.

Grand Soiree 2006 Photo Gallery

Grand Soiree Photo Gallery

Museum Receives Rare Civil War Items : Posted 06-06-2005
The Lincoln College Museum has received a collection of rare Civil War items from antique collector and long-time member of the Lincoln College Board of Trustees, John Gehlbach of Elkhart. The recent donation includes a Civil War drum and six Civil War recruitment broadsides that date back to 1863-64.

Lincoln College Museum Curator Ron Keller said the donation marks the second time in five years that Gehlbach has given pieces of his collection to the Lincoln College Museum. “These items are amazing and we look forward to sharing with the public. These rare pieces of history that represent the connection we have with the legacy of Abraham Lincoln really make an impact on you. We appreciate Mr. Gehlbach’s generosity and thank him for donating to our museum.” Keller said the pieces have been valued at over $45,000.

The donation adds to the Gehlbach Collection which includes items of Lincoln assassination memorabilia that is comprised of letters and personal accounts surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s death, photographs of the conspirators, commemorative ribbons and mourning cards, pieces of fabric from the Lincoln coffin, and a pallbearer’s glove. Many of those pieces remain on display at the museum, and have been used by both amateur and professional historians.

Lincoln College Museum receives award from The Lincoln Group of New York
The College Museum was presented a special citation by the Lincoln Group of New York for its participation in producing the historical documentary “From Surveyor to President: A Lincoln in Logan County.” The documentary details Abraham Lincoln’s integral role in the founding and development of Logan County, as he simultaneously rose to prominence.

Lincoln College Museum curator Ron Keller says this honor validates the college’s commitment to honor Abraham Lincoln. “We are grateful for being recognized for our hard work and truly appreciate the history resources that are easily accessible at the Lincoln College Museum. The video provides the viewer with actual pictures and documentation of the history of Logan County.”

The Lincoln Group of New York recognized the contribution that the Lincoln College Museum has provided in documenting the facts of American history. According to award committee chairman Professor James Rawlins, “The award committee commends the scholarship reflected in the work of the Lincoln College Museum, which produced this important contribution to Lincoln studies.” The Lincoln Group of New York is an organization that is dedicated to the study of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.

NY Gov. Pataki Donates September 11 Speech to the Museum
The Lincoln College Museum expanded its September 11 exhibit when Governor George Pataki of New York sent to the museum the signed address that he gave in front of the joint session of the New York State Legislature on September 13, 2001. This was the Governor’s official address to the people of New York, offering his prayers, comfort, hope, and a promise of strong action after the horrible disaster. First Deputy Secretary to the Governor, William Howard informed the museum that Pataki is a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, and was honored to provide the signed address. This remarkable speech is not in any other public or private collection. Howard remarked, “When I presented the document to the Governor he re-read the speech and signed it. We are pleased to send it along to the collection.”

Museum Director on Bicentennial Advisory Council
Museum curator Ron Keller is now part of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The commission’s executive director Michael Bishop invited Keller to be on the Advisory Council, which is the educational arm of the commission. The Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was established by the U.S. Congress in 2001, with the purpose of planning for the year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the 16th President’s birth in 2009.