Don’t miss all the new exhibits that are coming to the Old Orange County Courthouse.  Here is a sneak peek:

Exhibit Opening: Abraham Lincoln, Self-Made in America
Monday, February 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A dynamic exhibition which explores the life and career of Abraham Lincoln opens in early February. Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America was developed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. In addition to Lincoln’s life, the exhibit will also showcase Orange County’s connection to Lincoln with artifacts from Mission San Juan Capistrano and Disney’s “Hall of Presidents.” Light refreshments will be served. Event Fee: Free.

More events after the flip…

Evening Lecture: Lincoln in California?
Wednesday, February 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for the first of four lectures relating to the special exhibit, “Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America.” Don McCue, Curator at the Lincoln Shrine in Redlands, will explain Lincoln’s relationship with the American West in a lecture called “Lincoln and California?” Event Fee: Free.

“Kids’ Day” Open House
Saturday, February 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On this special day, kids can create 19th- century-inspired crafts and play with replica toys. Reenactors from the 1st North Carolina Cavalry unit will bring a Civil War encampment to life on the Old Courthouse’s lawn. At noon, the Orange County Historical Commission will present the 1940 classic movie “Abe Lincoln in Illinois,” the critically acclaimed historical-fiction portrayal of Lincoln’s childhood and early political years. Enjoy a full fun-filled day with the family at the Old Courthouse and across the street at Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House, which will also be open and available for tours. Free at the Old Courthouse.

See Lincoln Come to Life!
Thursday, February 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Re-enactor William Peck will perform as Lincoln, the lawyer, in the Old Courthouse’s historic courtroom. Peck will also discuss the lesser known aspects of the president’s life. See Lincoln ‘come to life’ the day before the nation celebrates his birthday! Event Fee: Free.

Luncheon Lecture: Bicentennial’s End, Where Does that Leave Lincoln?
Wednesday, February 17, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Larry Burgess, Director of the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands, will discuss Lincoln’s role in the United States’ future in his lecture “Bicentennial’s End: Where Does that Leave Lincoln?” Dr. Burgess will speak during the Old Courthouse Museum Society’s luncheon. Event Fee: $7 for lunch, but you are welcomed to attend without purchasing a lunch.

Evening Lecture about Lincoln’s Last Photograph
Thursday, February 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Ron Rietveld, Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fullerton, will chronicle his discovery, at the age of 14, of the last photograph taken of President Abraham Lincoln. Free!  Please RSVP by calling (714) 973-6655 or email
OldcourthouseRSVP@ocparks.com.

Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America on view at the Old Orange County
Courthouse February 1 through February 26, 2010

Click here to see the flier for the above exhibits.

OC Parks – Old Orange County Courthouse, located at 211 W Santa Ana Blvd., in Santa Ana, CA 92701.  (714) 973-6610