In 2007, after five years of encouragement by respected Lincoln and state historians and professionals, the Foundation acted on the unique opportunity to acquire more than 1,500 items from renowned collector Louise Taper. At that time, the Taper Collection was widely considered the largest and most diverse collection of Lincolniana still in private hands. Items from the Collection have appeared in exhibits at various museums, libraries, and sites across the country including the Huntington Library, Chicago History Museum, and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. A selection of artifacts are currently on display at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.


Collection Gallery

Album 1

The first album

Sum Book Sum Book
Mary Lincoln’s Mourning Jewelry Mary Lincoln’s Mourning Jewelry
The Presidential Seal The Presidential Seal
White House Official State China Plate White House Official State China Plate
President Lincoln’s Cuff Button President Lincoln’s Cuff Button
Blood-Stained Fan of Mary Lincoln Blood-Stained Fan of Mary Lincoln
Leather Bill-Book used by Abraham Lincoln Leather Bill-Book used by Abraham Lincoln
Photography Supply Box owned by Matthew Brady Photography Supply Box owned by Matthew Brady
Walking Sticks belonging to Abraham Lincoln Walking Sticks belonging to Abraham Lincoln
Walking Sticks belonging to Abraham Lincoln Walking Sticks belonging to Abraham Lincoln
Letter Autographed by Abraham Lincoln to Edwin Stanton Letter Autographed by Abraham Lincoln to Edwin Stanton
Letter Autographed by Abraham Lincoln to J.R. Giddings Letter Autographed by Abraham Lincoln to J.R. Giddings
Plantation Desk Crafted by Thomas Lincoln Plantation Desk Crafted by Thomas Lincoln
Measuring Scales from Corneau-Diller Drugstore Measuring Scales from Corneau-Diller Drugstore
Campaign Torches used during Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Campaign Campaign Torches used during Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Campaign
Campaign Torches used during Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Campaign Campaign Torches used during Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Campaign
Folk Art Doll of Abraham Lincoln Folk Art Doll of Abraham Lincoln
Quill Pen used by Abraham Lincoln Quill Pen used by Abraham Lincoln
Ink Bottle from Lincoln-Herndon Law Office Ink Bottle from Lincoln-Herndon Law Office

Testimonials

A collection of this magnitude is extremely rare…

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ph.D., Pulitzer Prize-winning author

The Collection is among the most historically and commercially significant pieces of Lincolniana known. It is not hyperbole to contend that the Collection is a national treasure.

Thomas F. Lecky, Certified Member, Appraisers Association of America, owner, Lecky Art Group LLC, former head of Christie’s Books and Manuscripts Department

…This Collection appeals to so many different users on so many different levels that it will underpin scholarly research … while simultaneously expanding the public’s knowledge of the 16th President.

Daniel Walker Howe, Ph.D., Professor of History Emeritus and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, UCLA; Rhodes Professor of American History Emeritus, Oxford University