Silent Witnesses: Artifacts of the Lincoln Assassination

[L Verge]

I can finally exhale in relief and send the Surratt Conference 2015 materials to the printer! After some negotiations ($$$) with the Ford's Theatre Society, we received permission today to include pre-opening visits to both the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to see the Lincoln carriage on Friday's bus tour - March 20 - and the main exhibit at the Ford's Theatre Society's Education Center early in the morning of March 22, as we begin our Booth Tour with James Swanson at the helm. Both exhibits do not officially open until March 23. This may very well be the last time in many years when the public will be able to see all of these relics together at one time. The cost of proper security was the major concern in allowing our group in ahead of the official opening.

In their advertisements, however, one tiny letter causes me some concern -- "a" Brooks Brothers great coat. We won't know until we get there, but perhaps the reproduction will be on display because the original is in such sad state? As for the carriage, it is separate from the main exhibit because of the size. Only the Smithsonian could accommodate it and properly secure it.

I hope to have the full conference packets in the mail to all Surratt members and those who have indicated an interest during the first week of November.