Educational Videos

3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 - 12MediaBackground KnowledgeMedia

Explore a collection of short videos featuring stories, people, events, and artifacts connected to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. From major moments in history to behind-the-scenes looks at objects from the Lincoln Collection, these videos offer engaging ways to learn more about Lincoln’s life, his presidency, and the people and events that shaped his time.

 

 

  • Chromolithograph depicting the Battle of Gettysburg.

    The Battle of Gettysburg

    Explore the Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, and how Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address helped redefine the meaning of the war.
    (Run Time: 2:58)

     

  • Photograph of General Ulysses S. Grant

    General Ulysses S. Grant

    Follow Ulysses S. Grant’s rise as a Union general and the military victories that helped propel him to the presidency after the Civil War.
    (Run Time: 3:01)

  • The Life of a Civil War Soldier

    Discover what daily life was like for Civil War soldiers, from enlistment and camp life to the battlefield and, for some, military prison. See how they endured the harsh conditions of war.
    (Run Time: 3:19)

  • Political cartoon showing three men struggling over a map of the United States, with one man in the center pulling the other two apart.

    The Election of 1864

    Learn about the major issues of the 1864 presidential election and how its outcome shaped the final months of the Civil War.
    (Run Time: 1:53)

  • Illustration of Abraham Lincoln speaking to a large crowd during the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate in Galesburg, Illinois, with Stephen Douglas seated behind him on the platform.

    The Lincoln/Douglas Debates

    Examine the seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858 and the major issues that shaped their arguments.
    (Run Time: 2:56)

  • Photograph of abolitionist John Brown

    John Brown

    Learn about the life of John Brown, an abolitionist leader and activist. (Run Time: 3:15)

  • Historic printed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln near the top and decorative text surrounding the document.

    The Emancipation Proclamation

    Learn about President Abraham Lincoln’s role in the emancipation of the enslaved people of the United States of America. (Run Time: 2:41)

  • Engraving of a large nighttime crowd gathered outside the New York Herald office as presidential election returns are posted on the building.

    The Election of 1860

    Trace the pivotal 1860 presidential election, which featured four candidates and unfolded as tensions over slavery pushed the nation toward civil war.
    (Run Time: 2:21

  • Sepia-toned portrait photograph of Frederick Douglass with white hair and a full beard, wearing a dark suit and bow tie.

    Frederick Douglass

    Discover the life and work of Frederick Douglass, the renowned orator, writer, and abolitionist who became one of the nation’s most influential voices against slavery.
    (Run Time: 2:27)

  • Illustration of Abraham Lincoln seated with Mary Todd Lincoln and their sons, Robert, Willie, and Tad, gathered in a room.

    Kids Want to Know: Abraham Lincoln

    Watch as student questions are answered using artifacts, photographs, documents, and other materials from the Lincoln Collection.
    (Run Time: 6:48)

  • Illustrated Harper’s Weekly spread showing portraits of prominent Republican presidential contenders in 1860, including Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, Salmon Chase, and others, arranged around a view of Washington, D.C.

    Behind-the-Scenes: Lincoln Election of 1860

    See how Abraham Lincoln became president without actively campaigning, and explore artifacts that reveal how presidential elections worked in 1860.
    (Run Time: About 10 minutes)

  • Dark glass inkwell used during the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, with a wide rounded base and decorative rim.

    Journey to the White House

    Discover the many jobs Abraham Lincoln held before becoming president through a behind-the-scenes look at objects from the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection.
    (Run Time: 6:12)

  • Ambrotype portraits of Willie Lincoln (left) and Tad Lincoln (right), taken in Springfield, Illinois, around 1859.

    Tad and Willie Lincoln at the White House

    Meet Tad and Willie Lincoln and discover the mischief they got into while living in the White House, with a closer look at some of Tad’s favorite toys.
    (Run Time: 2:14)

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