Lincoln Documents Allegedly Exposed to 80-Degree Heat Inside Flawed National Mall Exhibit

A quote in an alcove of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft museum. Rare Lincoln‑signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment were allegedly exposed to unsafe heat and faulty security inside the new $69 million exhibit. (Credit: G. Edward Johnson/WikiMedia Commons)

Rare copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, both bearing Abraham Lincoln's original signature, have allegedly been exposed to unsafe heat and faulty security inside a brand-new $69 million exhibit beneath the Lincoln Memorial, according to three National Park Service employees and internal communications reviewed by City Cast DC.

The employees, who spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to speak publicly, told the outlet that light-blocking screens meant to protect the documents have malfunctioned, and that temperatures inside the display case have allegedly climbed above 80°F (26.7°C) on multiple occasions.