44°
The museum opened in October 2014 at Peekskill's original train depot after many stages of restoration and reconstruction.
Although inspired by President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s stop in Peekskill on Feb.19, 1861, the museum is much more than a tribute to Lincoln, board members say.
It is a tribute to the contributions of the Peekskill area, and to a greater extent the state of New York, to Lincoln’s elections and influence on a difficult period in the country’s history, according to a release.
The museum’s theme is “New York and Abraham Lincoln, the Indispensable Relationship.”
The museum highlights contributions also made by local residents of the period and how New York’s military contribution during the Civil War made a difference in the outcome.
The Lincoln Depot Museum had over 1,000 visitors in 2015 and was named “Best in Westchester” by Westchester Magazine.
It was featured among “Westchester’s Hidden Gems” last January by Westchester Magazine.
And the American Institute of Architects recognized the museum for the building’s restoration and reuse.
Recently, the Peekskill Historic Preservation Board recognized the museum as one of its two restoration award recipients.
The museum had special visitors like Princeton University’s James McPherson and special groups, such as class reunions, Scouts, schools and organizations.
The historic community also took notice when the Rockland Civil War Roundtable and The West Point Chapter of the Company of Military Historians acknowledged the important contribution the museum has made.
The Westchester Business Journal went beyond highlighting the museum in its magazine by producing a “History on the Hudson” YouTube video about the museum.
An independent documentary producer traveled from Australia to cover the museum’s success in building restoration and adaptive reuse.
In 2016, the Lincoln Depot Museum plans new exhibits and additional artifacts installed to existing displays.
There will be a monthly lecture series announced, new events and a continuation of past annual events.
For more information, click here.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.
