Lincoln's legacy and Black History Month celebrated with real national treasures

It's fitting that Lincoln's birthday falls under the same month we celebrate black history. The liberation of black Americans became inescapably bound to Lincoln's life and death.

If you get the opportunity, head to one of the several museums in D.C. showcasing artifacts and hosting events to commemorate the legacy of Lincoln and Black History Month.

The newly renovated Smithsonian National Museum of American History has on display the top hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre April 14, 1865.
The plaque under the top hat reads, "At six-feet-four-inches tall, Lincoln towered over most of his contemporaries. He chose to stand out even more by wearing high
top hats. Lincoln had the black silk mourning band added in remembrance of his son Willie."

At the National Archives, the Emancipation Proclamation was on display celebrating the bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. With the president's signature and the official seal of the United States, the document on display was different than any other copy. It had the force of law behind it, a major milestone in
the destruction of slavery.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of the civil war.

As stated in the proclamation, "by virtue of the power, and for the purpose of aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of the States, are, and henceforward shall be free."

The proclamation was limited in many ways. It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. Despite its limitations, it freed 4 million slaves.

The displays at the American History Museum offer a fresh and intimate perspective on the life and legacy of Lincoln who many esteem to be one of our greatest leaders.

For those interested in the military history of the time, the white flag of truce used by Confederate troops is on display when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Va. Gen. George A. Custer, who was present for the surrender, preserved the flag.

Also on display is the commission of Ulysses S. Grant. Lincoln signed the certificate making Grant a lieutenant general, a rank previously held only by George Washington.

As you walk past the room on Lincoln's childhood, through his political career and presidency, the exhibit takes a dark turn, showcasing items from the night Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre.

The play's leading actress that night was Laura Keene, who rushed over to the president's box, cradling his head. Her blood-stained cuff is on display next to the surgical tools used on the president.

Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m., April 15, 1865. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton raised his hat and declared: "Now he belongs to the ages."

Throughout his life, Abraham Lincoln wondered if he would leave his mark on history. Today, 200 years after his birth, people around the world still find his story inspiring.

Take advantage of free admission and check out all the real national treasures the area has available.

Lincoln has encouraged generations with his generous spirit and his willingness to give his life so that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."