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On Our 250th: Find a Wish Scavenger Hunt

Black and white illustration showing a crowd of people facing a platform where a man raises a flag.
On his inaugural journey to Washington, D.C., President-elect Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia. He raised a flag over Independence Hall and spoke about the enduring promise he found in the Declaration of Independence.

Library of Congress, Harper's Weekly, March 9, 1861

Who Shared Lincoln’s Wish for America?

Abraham Lincoln drew his hope for America’s future from its founding ideals. To him, the Declaration of Independence was not just about the colonies separating from Britain. He believed it promised an America in which “the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men.”

Many people shared Lincoln’s wish. They expressed it through their hopes and actions.

Explore their stories!

Are you visiting Lincoln Home? Join us for an interactive scavenger hunt!

Look for “You Found a Wish” signs around the park and at nearby sites. They are posted on indoor and outdoor exhibits. When you find one, check out the exhibit it is posted on. The exhibit tells the story of a person who lived near, or at the same time as, Abraham Lincoln.

As you explore each story, talk about...

  • What might have been their wish for America’s future?
  • How does that wish continue today?

Places to look:
Stop by the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center for more information.

Not at the park? Explore their stories here!


Lincoln Home National Historic Site, New Philadelphia National Historic Site, Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Last updated: June 2, 2025