Lock of President Lincoln's Hair Donated To Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg Superintendent Bob Kirby accepts a framed lock of President Lincoln's hair from Thomas E. Metz, owner of Heritage Inns and Gettysburg Tours. NPS photo.

In the not-too-distant future you'll be able to see a piece of President Abraham Lincoln on display at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Heritage Inns, Inc., of Gettysburg, has donated a framed lock of the 16th president's hair to the military park.

"The lock of hair was collected by Dr. Robert K. Stone during the autopsy conducted following President Lincoln’s death," a Park Service release said. "This framed lock of hair was later presented by Dr. Stone to Enoch Pratt, a prominent unionist and philanthropist in Baltimore. The hair is framed and dated by Dr. Stone, 'April 1865.'"

The donation was presented to Gettysburg Superintendent Bob Kirby last Wednesday.

“The lock of Lincoln’s hair will become part of the permanent collection of Gettysburg National Military Park and will go on display in the museum later this year,” said Superintendent Kirby. “This is one of those special objects that gives you the chills when you see it. We want to thank Heritage Inns for their generous donation to the American public.”

Heritage Inns operates the Hall of Presidents Museum, Soldiers Museum and Jennie Wade House Museum.