Monday, May 30 marks the 100-year anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial.
Designed by renowned New York architect Henry Bacon, this iconic D.C. landmark honoring the country’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, depicts the former president seated in a chair with engravings of two of his most famous speeches around him: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.
A crowd of approximately 50,000 people gathered in person to witness the dedication on Decoration Day — which is now known as Memorial Day — in 1922 and broadcast across the country via the newest technological innovation, the radio.
Speeches were given by President Warren G. Harding, former president and Chief Justice of the United States William Howard Taft, and principal of the Tuskegee Institute Dr. Robert Russa Moton, honoring Lincoln’s enduring legacy and achievements.
Now, 100 years later, the memorial’s dedication will be celebrated by the National Park Service (NPS) throughout the weekend with talks, pop-up tables, and artwork. More information is available at the NPS website, and below is a complete list of activities and talks:
Friday, May 27
- The Lincoln Memorial as Art: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial 100-Year Dedication- Junior Ranger Program: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Birthday Pop-Up Table: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Abe Under Stress: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
- The Lincoln Memorial’s Pivotal Role in the Civil Rights Movement: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial 100-Year Dedication- Junior Ranger Program: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Birthday Pop-Up Table: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln’s Habits: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
- The Lincoln Memorial the Art of Liberty, Union, and Reconciliation: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial 100-Year Dedication- Junior Ranger Program: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Birthday Pop-Up Table: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Many Sides of Abraham Lincoln: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, May 30
- The Lincoln Memorial the Art of Liberty, Union, and Reconciliation: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial 100-Year Dedication- Junior Ranger Program: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Birthday Pop-Up Table: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 31
- Lincoln Memorial 100-Year Dedication- Junior Ranger Program: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Birthday Pop-Up Table: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.