Unveiling the history beneath the Lincoln Memorial
Summary
Beneath the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., there is a large hidden space called the Undercroft, supported by 120 deep concrete pillars. A new museum opening there will share the history of the memorial, Abraham Lincoln’s life, and the site’s role in America’s civil rights movement.Key Facts
- The Lincoln Memorial's Undercroft is a 50,000 square-foot space under the monument, twice its size above ground.
- It is supported by 120 concrete pillars that reach 50 feet down to bedrock to hold the memorial’s weight.
- The space was closed to the public until now but will open as a museum in June.
- The museum aims to educate visitors about Abraham Lincoln’s complicated life and legacy.
- It will also highlight the memorial’s role in civil rights, such as Marian Anderson’s 1939 concert and Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 speech.
- The memorial is seen as a symbol of freedom and inclusion for many groups.
- The new museum opens amid debates about how U.S. history, including topics like slavery and racism, should be presented.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized celebrating American history while acknowledging its flaws.
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