In 1865, the year after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, America began celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th. Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined the two holidays into one and ever since we have honored all past presidents on the third Monday of February.
From January through April 2009, Washington, DC is celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial (Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday) with more than 80 exhibitions, performances, lectures, and guided tours.
Special Events for Presidents' Day
National ArchivesFebruary 12-16, 2009. The highlight of the year-long celebration of Lincoln's birthday will be a special display of the original Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln, in the National Archives East Rotunda Gallery. The special display of the original Emancipation Proclamation is free and open to the public.
Ford’s Theatre Reopening Open House and Lincoln Birthday Celebration.
February 16, 2009. Events will include Ranger led interpretive programs, theatrical readings and musical performances. The theatre will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the evening, Ford’s Theatre will launch its Living Lincoln Series, a free Monday-night series exploring the many aspects of President Lincoln’s personality and life through lectures, panels, play readings and performances.
White House Visitor Center
Monday, February 16, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy free programs led by the National Park Service, including games, crafts and theatrical performances. Test your knowledge of White House history in a game of “Who Wants to be a President?”, “chat” with Abraham Lincoln about his decision to preserve the Union during the Civil War and design your own “White House China” for your next state dinner.
Mount Vernon
Celebrate George Washington's birthday with three days of special events at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to explore the 500-acre estate and learn more about the life of the first president of the United States. See this schedule of Presidents' Day Events at Mount Vernon.
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
February 12, 2009 at noon. Lincoln Memorial, 23rd & Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. Honor Abraham Lincoln at a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the "Gettysburg Address."
Walking Tours of Alexandria Sites Associated with George Washington
Free tours will be given Sundays throughout the month of February at 1:30 p.m. Meet at Market Square at King & Royal Streets. No reservations are required.
A Birthnight Ball at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Each year, the Saturday night before President’s Day, a Birthnight Ball is held at Gadby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The ball is complete with toasts, dinner, a historical program and George Washington's favorite 18th century dances. Gadsby's Tavern is one of the few 18th century taverns still in use in the United States. George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson frequently attended dances, theatrical performances and meetings here. Reservations are required as this event always sells out!
Alexandria's Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race
Get your running shoes laced up and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Alexandria's Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Revolutionary War Reenactment
On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Fort Ward Museum located at 4301 W. Braddock Road, in Alexandria, Virginia, stages “Historic Camp and Tactical Demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the “Redcoats” and the Colonials.” See Photos of the Revolutionary War Reenactment.
George Washington Birthday Parade
On Monday, from 1 to 3 p.m., see the country’s largest Presidents' Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria through the streets where Washington once walked. See photos of the parade. Spend the day exploring historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, the historic Virginia town that was an important port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
