Abraham Lincoln’s summer home where he drafted the Emancipation Proclamation. Award-winning museum, gift shop & event space. Retweets do not imply endorsement. The Cottage was Abraham Lincoln's summer home during his presidency. The Lincoln family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864. Our mission is to preserve this place to connect visitors with the true spirit of the Lincolns, build empathy, and inspire them to act upon their own brave ideas for social justice. In the summer of 1862, Abraham Lincoln wrote the immortal words thenceforward and forever free. It was his first season living at the Cottage, a season spent embroiled in the Civil War, in his grief at the loss of his son Willie, and in his crafting of the Emancipation Proclamation. America today is facing many of the same questions that Lincoln asked himself over 150 years agoquestions of liberty, equality, and justice. Here, visitors find inspiration in Lincolns example of ethical leadership, respectful debate, and thoughtful compromise, striving always to improve this country.