Q & Abe

For this episode, we're answering a question we've gotten from young people curious about Lincoln's relationships. Along the way we talk about gossipy Springfield, Illinois in the 1840s, Lincoln's close friend Joshua Speed, the invention of the term "straight," and how museums can tell queer stories. Come along with us!Guests:Charles StrozierMargaret MiddletonHugh Ryanwww.lincolncottage.org

This bonus episode accompanies episode 4.3, "Did Lincoln ever play basketball?"Curtis Harris told us a little more about how the aftermath of the Civil War affected the ideologies behind the invention of basketball, and Len Elmore spoke to us about how he tries to share the long arc of history with his students. www.lincolncottage.org

This bonus episode accompanies episode 4.2, "Where's all the furniture?"Erin Carlson Mast explains how the interpretation team made the decision that it was going to be ok for visitors to sit on the antique furniture in the house, and tells the story of how the Cottage acquired some objects from when Lincoln was in residence.www.lincolncottage.org