Connecting Millions to America's History at the Lincoln Memorial
The original, signed documents will be featured in the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft museum, opening June 25, 2026. Displayed within the memorial dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln, the exhibition will offer millions of visitors the opportunity to engage directly with documents that helped define the nation’s ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.
The copy of the Emancipation Proclamation is one of just 27 surviving copies produced for the 1864 Great Central Fair in Philadelphia. The copy of the 13th Amendment is one of only 15 known signed copies. The documents will remain on display through June 2027.
“Since our founding, America has been on a journey to form a more perfect union. The Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment marked a profound step forward, abolishing the scourge of slavery and moving the country closer to its founding ideals. As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, I am proud to partner with the National Park Foundation to share these sacred documents as a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to strengthen the promise of America.”
The loan reflects Ken’s longstanding commitment to expanding public access to America’s most important historical documents and supporting civic education. Through acquisitions, loans, and philanthropic investments, he has worked to ensure that foundational artifacts of American history remain accessible to the public and continue to inspire future generations.
“Most Americans know these documents from textbooks. Very few ever have the chance to stand in front of them and reflect on what they changed—not only for the nation, but for millions of individual lives,” said Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “We’re deeply grateful to Ken Griffin for helping make that experience possible for visitors from around the world.”
The exhibition also builds on Ken’s previous support for the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, helping create a new museum experience beneath one of the nation’s most iconic monuments.
As the United States marks its semiquincentennial, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to encounter firsthand two documents that helped reshape the nation and advance the ideals upon which it was founded.
To learn more about the loans, read here:
