Mary Todd Lincoln House

We will be open tomorrow from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.! Come visit us for a self-guided tour during our hours of operation or a guided tour offered at 3 p.m.

We have some new Kentucky-made items in the Museum Store! Anne Porter Elliott - Pottery, lavender soaps and more by Woodstock Lavender Co., and Bourbon Country Products. Walk-in shoppers are welcome during our hours of operation Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A good spot for relaxing on newly cleaned benches!

We've been awarded a 250Lex Cultural Grant! We’re so excited to be among the organizations and individuals creating projects in 2025 to celebrate the founding of our city.

Mayor announces recipients of 250Lex Cultural Grants This program is designed to fund projects that will be part of the year-long celebration of Lexington’s 250th anniversary in 2025.

Mercy Levering Conkling, Hannah Shearer, Elizabeth Blair Lee, Mary Jane Welles, Myra Bradwell, and Sally Orne. What do these women have in common?

Today marks the 175th anniversary of the death of Mary Todd Lincoln’s father, Robert Smith Todd. Robert died in 1849 at his farm in Franklin County, Kentucky. A local paper that published his obituary attributed his death to bilious fever. Robert died during a cholera epidemic in Lexington and some writers have speculated that he died of the disease.

Exciting Day! A film crew was here today for a lifestyle shoot for Visit LEX. Thanks for featuring us as one of Lexington’s historic attractions!

We’re so pleased to announce that we’ve been awarded a Good Works Program grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Thank you to the Kentucky Colonels for their support and generosity and for assisting many other Kentucky nonprofits like us!

On this day in 1859, Mary Lincoln wrote to a friend, “For the last two weeks. . .we have had a continual round of strawberry parties.” She herself hosted 70 people for a strawberry party the week before. Popular in the mid-1800s, strawberry parties were held during late spring or early summer when the berries were in season. A few years later, Mary was photographed in a black dress decorated with clusters of strawberries and leaves.

What do these people have in common? Find out at our free "This Old House" Open House this Sunday, June 9! Come anytime between 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Thanks to everyone who came out last night for Abe-and-Mary trivia! And thanks to Old North Bar and Local Trivia Action, we had a great time!

Mary Lincoln’s mental health has been the subject of debate for many years. We’ve created a new interactive unit that explores the various theories for her behavior in 1875 and the factors that led to an insanity trial. Thanks to Travis Robinson for building the unit so that we may share these ideas with our visitors.

In honor of Kentucky Derby Day, here is an artifact from our collection that features a horse! This 1835 banknote was issued in Louisville by the Bank of Kentucky.

Garden refresh! Thanks to Glynn Young's Landscaping & Nursery Center for the new look and plantings.

This print from our collection depicts Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed scene after he was shot at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865. Mary is shown sitting by his bedside. In actuality, she spent most of the night in another room. Learn about the losses Mary Lincoln suffered and how they reflect the ways 19th century Americans coped with death in our free virtual program, “Death, Mourning and Mrs. Lincoln.” Program details in the comments.

Thanks to Wade Conner, C.E.O. of Trinity Metals, for visiting us today in his capacity as a trustee for the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. We are grateful to the HOKC for their support and the time they spend visiting the many Kentucky nonprofits they help!

In 1861, Easter fell on March 31st when the Lincolns were in the White House. On Easter Monday, the Lincoln boys—Tad and Willie—participated in an informal egg-rolling competition on the White House lawn. The players watched their dyed hard-boiled Easter eggs roll to the bottom of a hill. The first uncracked egg down was the winner. In 1878, the White House Easter Egg Roll became a public event that continues to this day.

We reopen for the season tomorrow! Visit us for a self-guided tour, Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or a guided tour on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 3 p.m. https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/mtlhouse/?flow=141802&full-items=yes

On this day in 1861 Mary Lincoln hired dressmaker Elizabeth Keckley. Born into slavery, Elizabeth purchased her freedom in 1855. She made formal and day dresses for Mary and provided support in many other ways. Her only son died while serving in the Union Army, and she helped establish the Contraband Relief Association to support formerly enslaved people in Washington. She later taught at Wilberforce University. Learn more about her at https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/keckly-elizabeth-hobbs-1818-1907/.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Presidents' Day family event yesterday. And a special thanks to our volunteers and event sponsor, WealthSouth, for making it possible!

Celebrate Presidents’ Day with a special event designed for families! Visit with Mrs. Lincoln and enjoy games and hands-on activities inspired by Mary Lincoln’s many roles as first lady—from campaigner to entertainer. Walk-ups are welcome but to guarantee entry, book online. www.mtlhouse.org

Today marks the 215th birthday of Abraham Lincoln! He was born February 12, 1809 on the Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. This engraving from our collection is based on an 1857 photograph.

Our front windows returned today after being repaired and restored. Thanks Wildberry Urban Window and Door Restoration!

See comments for details.

We loved hosting these Lexington Junior Girl Scouts last evening! They participated in our women's history program.

Kitty Todd, Mary Lincoln’s half-sister, married William Wallace Herr on this day in 1866. Kitty was the last child born to Betsy and Robert Todd. During the Civil War, William served in the Confederate Army as an aide to Kitty’s brother-in-law, General Benjamin Hardin Helm. When Helm was wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga, Herr helped move him off the battlefield.

From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!