Here’s an update on the infamous Lincoln stovepipe hat: It’s not at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum anymore.
The hat, whose authenticity has been called into question, is part of the Taper Collection, which the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation purchased -from one of its own board members – by taking out a multi-million dollar loan.
Chicago Public Radio reports the foundation repossessed the more than 1,500 after the foundation failed to pay off the loan by Monday. The foundation reportedly has enough money to do so. ALPLM spokesman Chris Wills tells WTAX News the items are headed to the Hindman auction house in Chicago.
Museum’s director Christina Shutt, in a written statement, says the ALPLM is no less without the items but accuses the foundation of choosing “not to meet a longstanding agreement” to keep the items in the museum.