Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Experience history in Springfield, Illinois

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Spectacular murals have been displayed throughout the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This mural is of Fort Sumter under fire. (Photo: Courtesy BRC Imagination Arts. Mural Artist: Danilo Montejo)

If presidential museums make you think of boring exhibits and dusty artifacts, think again!

The new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is jam-packed with interactive exhibits and attention-grabbing special effects.

"We want to totally surround you, involve you in the emotions, in the triumphs and the tragedies of the Lincoln family and our nation," said Bob Rogers, whose company, BRC Imagination Arts designed the special exhibits.

A Look Inside

Many of the exhibits at the museum rely on cool, interactive features.

Smoke machines and vibrating seats bring the Civil War to life in a film about Abraham Lincoln.

After visiting "Ghosts of the Library" where live actors interact with misty, ghost-like visions, visitors can head over to "Mrs. Lincoln's Attic." There they can build miniature log cabins, and play with period costumes and old-fashioned toys.

Take a peek in the "Treasure Gallery" and you can check out Lincoln's shaving mirror and a signed copy of The Emancipation Proclamation. This document was issued on January 1, 1863.

Fun and Informative

For Rogers, who has been working on the museum for six and a half years, choosing a favorite exhibit is no easy task.

"Ghosts of the Library" captures the exciting sense of mystery and discovery that scholars and curators feel as they research a collection. (Photo: BRC Imagination Arts)

"Choosing a favorite exhibit is like choosing a favorite child," he told Scholastic News Online.In an effort to make the museum a fun and interesting learning experience, museum designers worked closely with Civil War experts and Abraham Lincoln historians.

"We want to make people permanently more attracted to Lincoln's life and times," said Rogers.

From life-like statues of Lincoln and other historical figures, to bold battle scenes and exciting special effects, the museum does just that.

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