For two weeks, the public will be able to see historic treasures from past presidential inaugurations. From January 23 to February 4, the Library of Congress’ free display, called “Presidential Inauguration Treasures,” will feature handwritten inaugural speeches of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln as well as newspapers, film clips, and a demonstration of online resources.
Lincoln’s famous First Inaugural Address and the Bible he used at his first inauguration will also be exhibited along with the pearl necklace his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, wore on that day.
For those who love a challenge, there will also be a history quiz available, focused on inaugural firsts. One example of a question: Who was the first president to ride to his inauguration in an automobile?
The display will be on view from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building in the “Mahogany Row” rooms.
For those who can’t wait or want to learn more online, the Library of Congress also has an online resource guide with information on each president’s Inauguration.