Lincoln-Thomas Day

Fort Stevens in the fall season

NPS / Claire Hassler

Join us from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Fort Stevens for the commemoration of the 101st anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day, and to explore the history of DC through talks, activities, music, and more!

Below are highlights of the activities and programs of the event. The schedule is subject to change so please check back often, and especially closer to the event date, for the most accurate schedule.

*At the bottom of the page, after the event schedule, you will find a history of Lincoln-Thomas Day.

 

Wreath laying at Lincoln-Thomas Day

NPS / Jordan Land

Presentations and Music

Welcome and opening remarks start promptly at 11 am. The formal program will feature leaders from Rock Creek Park, the Military Road School Preservation Trust, and the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs who will share information about the significance of the day.

Dr. Brandi Brimmer will be the keynote speaker. Her presentation will analyze the US pension system from the perspective of Black women during and after the Civil War.

Musical performances include the Montgomery Blair Choir and Annette Singletary.

The event will also feature a wreath laying ceremony and historical reenactors.

 

Young visitors participate in activities during Lincoln-Thomas Day

NPS / Cameron Waiters

Ongoing Activities

• Junior Ranger program
• Hand-on activities for kids
• Authors' tables and book signing

 

Thank you for visiting!

The 101st anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day is hosted by the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the Military Road School Preservation Trust, in cooperation with the National Park Service.

 

 

Elizabeth Proctor Thomas (seated) at Fort Stevens, 1911.

DC History Center / Willard R. Ross photograph collection

History of Lincoln-Thomas Day

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary proclamation ordering the emancipation of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to United States control by January 1, 1863. No states returned; and the order, which was signed and issued January 1, 1863, became effective, except in locations where the United States had already mostly regained control. Thus, the date of September 22 was forever etched in American history; and 150 years after the president issued his Emancipation Proclamation, it is still considered by many to be the most defining act of his presidency.

The initial Lincoln-Thomas Day celebration, established by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, was observed nationally on September 22, 1924, to honor two individuals of the Civil War-era who came from very different backgrounds but shared a profound connection to Fort Stevens.

The mutual alliance between President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas presented unique challenges for both in balancing necessity with sacrifice. And although historical accounts provide a range of interpretations with respect to some specifics of that alliance, the Federation deemed a president, known as The Great Emancipator, and an ordinary citizen, known as “the owner of Fort Stevens,” to be “memorable characters” worthy of national recognition.

Additionally, the ceremonial unveiling of “Elizabeth Thomas Way” in 2012 denoted the immeasurable contribution of Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, a Brightwood resident whose home was among those properties seized to enlarge the Union fortress originally known as Fort Massachusetts. Her story symbolizes the unwavering devotion of many unsung and unknown patriots whose personal sacrifices paved the way for an ultimate Union victory. It is, therefore, altogether fitting that this community and the citizens of the District of Columbia pay homage to one of their own for whom she was and what she continued to accomplish as a well-respected member of the Brightwood community until her death on October 13, 1917.