The Peoria Riverfront Museum features the original 1858 Abraham Lincoln ambrotype, displayed in an exhibit.

Peoria Riverfront Museum Showcases Original 1858 Abraham Lincoln Ambrotype

2026-10-23

Original ambrotype portrait of Abraham Lincoln in a wooden frame with velvet matting. — The Peoria Riverfront Museum has acquired an original ambrotype portrait of Abraham Lincoln, shown in a square wooden frame with velvet matting. | Image via The Peoria Riverfront Museum

The Peoria Riverfront Museum has unveiled a rare treasure: an original ambrotype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, taken in Peoria, Illinois, in 1858. This early photographic technique, popularized in the 1850s, captures images on glass plates and was a cost-effective alternative to daguerreotypes. The glass ambrotype holds great historical significance as it captures a key moment in Lincoln’s life.

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The Significance of the Peoria Ambrotype

This significant photograph dates back to a pivotal moment when Lincoln prepared for the U.S. Senate debates with Stephen Douglas. Captured by local photographer Roderick M. Cole in his studio at Main and Washington streets, the image portrays a beardless Lincoln. He initially hesitated before agreeing to the portrait, which became one of his favorites. The historical ambrotype was later mass-produced as a “carte de visite” for distributing to supporters, helping solidify Lincoln’s public presence.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum acquired the original image to mark its 14th anniversary, with Chief Curator Bill Conger emphasizing its unique value as the sole known photograph of Lincoln taken in Peoria.

“We have the original glass plate that was with Lincoln in the room at the corner of Main and Washington in 1858,” Conger states. “It is the only image of Lincoln in Peoria, which is why it deserves and really needs to belong in our city.”

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Lincoln’s ties to Peoria are notable; he delivered his famous Peoria Speech here in 1854, opposing the spread of slavery in new territories. According to reports, Daniel Weinberg of the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop and Seth Kaller, a curator at the museum, discovered the portrait at a rare book fair in New York City. Weinberg, a seasoned expert in authenticating Lincoln artifacts and historical photography, confirmed its originality with input from other Lincoln specialists, dubbing it the “Peoria Portrait.”

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After spending decades in private collections, the rare photograph is now proudly displayed at The Peoria Riverfront Museum, where it will remain available to the public through the end of the year, ensuring its permanent home in Peoria after the exhibit concludes.

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of the Peoria ambrotype?

The Peoria ambrotype is significant because it captures a key moment in Lincoln’s life when he prepared for the U.S. Senate debates with Stephen Douglas. It is the only known photograph of Lincoln taken in Peoria, which adds to its historical value.

Who captured the 1858 photograph of Abraham Lincoln?

The 1858 photograph of Abraham Lincoln was captured by local photographer Roderick M. Cole in his studio at Main and Washington streets in Peoria, Illinois.

How was the original ambrotype discovered?

The original ambrotype was discovered by Daniel Weinberg of the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop and Seth Kaller, a curator at the museum, at a rare book fair in New York City.