Lincoln and New York probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln. Starting with the iconic Mathew Brady image of Lincoln without his beard, the exhibition follows his earliest efforts to gain the blessing of the political and journalistic leaders of New York for a presidential run. Reproductions of rare period artifacts and caricatures show the political passions of the day, depicting the rising impact of the media and the first racial scare tactics used in a national political campaign Original research explores New York’s influence on the Civil War, the impact of emancipation, and the promotion of Lincoln’s persona as he evolved from an obscure Illinois politician to a national martyr. Visitors who think they know everything about Lincoln will be startled to see so much that is new.