President Abraham Lincoln used his daily commute through the heart of Civil War Washington as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of his presidency and to learn from those he encountered along the way, from people escaping slavery to the poet Walt Whitman. In the Seventh Street Challenge, students trace Lincoln’s route from the White House, up the 7th Street Turnpike, and home to the Cottage – participating in scavenger-hunt-style challenges to find thematic objects within their own homes as they go – and build their own capacity for meaningful daily problem-solving. 

During the live session, students will examine historic images, hear from our museum educators, and get their questions answered about Lincoln and his experience in Washington DC. They will also be on their feet hunting for thematically relevant objects in their own homes, and tying them to Lincoln's experience in discussion as they build skills to tackle their civic priorities.