Four score and seven years ago, movie tickets probably weren’t free.
But, in honor of the 16th president, they will be.
The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum (TCPM), thanks to a generous grant from Tillamook High School Charity Drive, is hosting a free movie showing of “Lincoln” at the Tillamook Coliseum Theater on October 3 beginning at 6 pm.
The 2012 film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is set in January 1865. President Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) races against time to pass the 13th Amendment through the House of Representatives.
Prior to the film showing, guests are invited to arrive early for a meet-and-greet and photos with “Honest Babe Lincoln,” a remarkably good look-alike of Abraham Lincoln. TCPM will have Abraham Lincoln themed books and stickers for sale, and the theater’s concessions will be open. Movie admission is free, though donations are always appreciated. Doors open at 5 pm.
And why the concentration of Lincoln history? Well, TCPM has a surprisingly serious collection devoted to Abraham Lincoln.
To celebrate America’s 250th, TCPM is displaying an original curation: “Lincoln’s Legacy.” The exhibit highlights Abraham Lincoln’s life and political career with a gallery of text panels, facsimiles, photographs, folk art, and other memorabilia.
“We chose to feature Abraham Lincoln because his legacy transcends time to impact American politics 150+ years after his assassination,” TCPM Exhibit & Program Developer Jenny Teece said. “As we reflect on the founding and evolution of our nation, his story is just one thread in the tapestry of American history.”
In his death, Abraham Lincoln was anchored as a national martyr while his legacy has been analyzed, scrutinized, and preserved by many around the world, including Oregon’s own Mark O. Hatfield.
A lifelong student of Abraham Lincoln’s political career and legacy, Senator Hatfield was an avid collector of Lincoln memorabilia. Much of which was gifted to him by constituents, congressional peers, and even presidents. A portion of his collection was gifted to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum in 1997, with an additional donation in the early 2000s.
“Lincoln’s Legacy” is now on display at TCPM through October 2026.
The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission, special event listings, and more can be found at tcpm.org.
