The Museum of Southern History in Florida is auctioning off a flag and other Lincoln memorabilia through Guernsey’s.
The flag that covered Abraham Lincoln’s coffin during his funeral train in 1865 is currently up for auction in New York. This historical artifact was discovered by Rhonda Hiser at the Museum of Southern History in Florida. Despite its association with Lincoln, the flag was found in an unexpected location, given the context of the Civil War and the South’s loss. The flag was displayed in a dirty, deep-framed box at the museum, prompting Hiser to clean the glass to view it properly.
During the journey from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Ill., where Lincoln was laid to rest, the funeral train made stops in over 400 cities and towns. At significant locations, the coffin was removed from the train for public viewing. In New York, the coffin was transported via a horse-drawn carriage through the city streets to City Hall. The auction of the flag is intended to raise funds for the museum, which recently had to relocate due to environmental contamination issues from the previous building.
In other news, a major housing plan is on the verge of being voted on by the full City Council. This initiative aims to address housing shortages and affordability challenges in the city. The plan includes provisions for the construction of new housing units, improvements to existing properties, and initiatives to support low-income residents. The City Council’s decision on this housing plan will have a significant impact on the community and the local housing market.
Overall, these developments highlight the intersection of history and contemporary issues in New York City. From the auction of a flag with ties to Abraham Lincoln to the potential approval of a housing plan, these events showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of the city’s cultural and political landscape.
Source: The NY Times
