The Lincoln Presidential Foundation faces financial difficulties, resulting in the auction of 144 artifacts from its Lincolniana collection, which includes significant historical pieces related to Abraham Lincoln's life. This sale, approximately 10% of their collection, aims to repay a $23 million loan taken to purchase these items. Historian David Gerleman criticized the auction, suggesting that such historical pieces may end up in private hands, restricting public access to important artifacts. The foundation hopes to utilize any surplus funds for the maintenance and display of its remaining collection.
David Gerleman, a historian at George Mason University, expressed that the breakup of the collection is 'a woeful calamity for both academics and the general public,' lamenting that these crucial artifacts may vanish into private collections.
The Lincoln Presidential Foundation stated, 'Proceeds from the sale will be used to satisfy our obligation to retire the outstanding loan balance from the Foundation's purchase of the collection,' highlighting their financial struggles.
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