Mr. Lincoln's Coat

[L Verge]

Of course, in the museum field, it is drilled into your head that all things should be properly conserved/preserved. In the case of fabrics, especially, every touch can do damage. As long as fabrics or objects are in good condition and can withstand public display, I would agree with Jim. However, there comes a point where something as valuable as this coat (BECAUSE it is unique to even Lincoln's history - i.e. not just any coat that he wore) deserves a rest.

There are many times when I get the impression that the average museum visitor wants an idea of what the coat looked like when Lincoln wore it -- not what it looks like today. Here at Surratt House, they have certainly been more impressed with the reproduction outfits that our guides always wear than with some aged originals that we have periodically displayed. One has to be a devotee of historical artifacts and clothing to truly get the thrill of seeing an original item. That's just my opinion...