WASHINGTON, DC.- Smithsonian Journeys has designed the exclusive tour “Lincoln in Washington,” Apr. 29, 2009, to May 3, 2009, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This exclusive five-day program follows Lincoln’s life from his single term as a congressman through his presidency. Renowned historian Edwin C. Bearss provides new perspectives on Lincoln’s early career in Washington and the challenging years of the Civil War.

The program includes a curator-led tour of the newly reopened National Museum of American History’s newest exhibit, “Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life,” featuring rare artifacts and memorabilia showcasing Lincoln’s public and private life.

As Study Leader, Ed Bearss will guide participants on a comprehensive walking tour of sites significant to the 16th president, including National Theatre, the White House and Lafayette Square. Other “Lincoln in Washington” points of interest are the recently restored Lincoln Cottage, where the president relaxed in wartime; Soldiers’ Home; and Fort Stevens, where Lincoln watched as Confederate troops attempted to invade the capital. Bearss also takes participants on an exciting manhunt tracing the steps of John Wilkes Booth as he fled Ford’s Theatre following the assassination of the president.

Bearss, an expert on American military history, leads several other tours for Smithsonian Journeys in the coming year, including “Shiloh and Brice’s Cross Roads,” May 6-10, 2009, “Battle of Little Bighorn,” Aug. 5-10, 2009, “Breakup of the Confederacy,” Oct. 14-20, 2009, and “The Gettysburg Campaign,” Nov. 11-15, 2009. A complete list of tours and itineraries for all programs can be found online at www.smithsonianjourneys.org.