What's Happening?
Cornell University Library will exhibit one of only five known handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln on November 19. This public viewing, titled “Lincoln’s Words for America 250: A Viewing of the Gettysburg Address,” will take
place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Kroch Library. The event is free and open to the public, commemorating 163 years since President Lincoln delivered the historic speech. The Cornell copy, known as the Bancroft Copy, was originally requested by historian George Bancroft in 1864 for a charitable lithographed volume to aid soldiers. This particular copy is unique as it is the only one that includes President Lincoln's original letter of transmittal. The address, delivered in 1863, redefined the Civil War as a test of the nation's endurance and its founding principles of liberty and equality.
Why It's Important?
The public display of President Lincoln's handwritten Gettysburg Address offers a rare opportunity for direct engagement with a pivotal document in U.S. history. As Elaine Westbrooks, Carl A. Kroch University Librarian, noted, seeing the original artifact provides a more profound connection to history than digitized versions. This event underscores the enduring significance of the Gettysburg Address, which articulated the ideals of American democracy and the sacrifices made to preserve the Union. For scholars and the general public, it highlights the value of primary sources in understanding historical events and the evolution of national identity. The exhibition also serves as a reminder of the Civil War's impact and President Lincoln's role in shaping the nation's narrative, reinforcing the principles of equality and liberty that remain central to American discourse.
What's Next?
The exhibition is a one-day event on November 19, with the last visitors admitted at 6:15 p.m. To protect the fragile document, specific guidelines will be in place, including restrictions on food, drink, and large bags in the viewing area. For those unable to attend in person, Cornell University Library offers an online exhibition titled “The Gettysburg Address,” curated by Katherine Reagan, the Ernest L. Stern ’56 Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts. This online resource includes images of President Lincoln’s letter and envelope to Bancroft, a transcript of Cornell’s copy, and background information on all five known manuscripts. This digital accessibility ensures that the historical context and significance of the document can reach a broader audience beyond the physical viewing.
Beyond the Headlines
The existence of five distinct handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address, each with its own unique history and minor textual variations, presents a fascinating insight into the creation and dissemination of historical documents. Scholars continue to debate aspects such as the exact wording President Lincoln used at the cemetery dedication and the precise timing and location of its composition. The Cornell copy's journey, from being a charitable contribution to its acquisition by the university, illustrates the complex provenance of historical artifacts. This event not only celebrates a foundational text but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the meticulous work of archivists and historians in preserving and interpreting such invaluable pieces of American heritage, fostering a connection between past and present generations.
