The National Portrait Gallery Presents President's Day Events This Weekend

On View: "Cracked-Plate" Photograph of Abraham Lincoln
Today, Feb. 12, through Monday, Feb. 16

For just five days, the museum will display the original print of the "cracked-plate" portrait of Abraham Lincoln. This photograph by Alexander Gardner is one of the most haunting portraits of any president. Created Feb. 5, 1865, it was the last formal portrait of Lincoln to be taken before his assassination. When the mammoth glass negative cracked, Gardner made only one print from the damaged negative before discarding it.

3-D Portrait of President Obama

Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 15

In 2014, President Barack Obama became the first president to be scanned using 3-D technology when a Smithsonian-led team of 3-D digital imaging specialists visited the White House. The data and printed model are part of the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection, and will be on view on the first floor of the museum.

On View: Three Masterpieces of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart

Friday, Feb. 13, through July 2015

The Portrait Gallery will install a rarely-seen "Vaughan"-type portrait of the president. Together with the Lansdowne and Athenaeum portraits, the three paintings are collectively thought of as the three masterpieces of Washington by Gilbert Stuart.

Portrait Story Days: Abigail Adams and Valentines

Saturday, Feb. 14, 1 to 4 p.m. | First floor, E151

Hear a story about First Lady Abigail Adams and create a Valentine's card for someone special. The story will be read at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

On View: Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington

Through Feb. 2016

The museum is known for its iconic "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington. This weekend kicks off the one-year countdown until the painting goes off view temporarily to be conserved.

Presidential Family Fun Day

Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrate Presidents Day weekend with a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, see performances by the local a capella group Snowday, get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

Meet the Author: Harold Holzer

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m.

One of the country's leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the political culture of the Civil War era, Holzer will discuss his latest book Lincoln and the Power of the Press: The War for Public Opinion in the special exhibition, "One Life: Grant and Lee."

Photo Credit: Abraham Lincoln by Alexander Gardner, albumen silver print, 1865