If you can possibly take a break from fawning over the next Abraham Lincoln (aka President Obama), tomorrow would be a good time to do so. Why? Because February 12 is, er, would be, Honest Abe’s 200th birthday. Thanks to the tall, bearded one’s strong connection with our fair state, you’ll find plenty of local ways to show the 16th president some love.
Time Out Chicago has a great list of events, including a reading of “Abe Lincoln in Illinois” at City Lit, the Chicago History Museum’s kid-friendly party (with penny admission!) and the very cool online exhibit, Lincoln at 200.
We’ve got a few more ideas:
- Join the Civil War Round Table of Chicago for its next meeting on Friday, February 13 at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans. The timely topic: “Lincoln as War Leader,” presented by past president Bruce Allardice. $5 for the presentation (7:30 p.m.), $40 if you want to come early for dinner. (630) 460-1865
- Find your new favorite Civil War text at the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, 357 W. Chicago. There are over 8,500 books to choose from.
- Enjoy the view (and the breakfast food) at Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln. From the wall of pennies to the Abe-centric mural, we can’t think of a better setting for a low-key commemoration. Just look for the big, hairy face looming over Lincoln Avenue.