One of the nation's most historical instruments -- a piano that was played for the wedding of the 16th President of the United States -- will be restored to working order.
Edwards Place is the oldest surviving home in Springfield. Family members of Mary Todd Lincoln owned the home, and Abraham Lincoln himself spent time there courting Mary and socializing.
Now, Edwards Place wants to restore its piano -- one of only two surviving instruments that Lincoln is known to have listened to.
"That piano was in the parlor when Lincoln was a guest, so it was an instrument that played music for Lincoln in a variety of settings," according to Erika Holst, curator of collections for Edwards Place. She said the piano also was played at the Lincoln wedding, which occurred in the home.
Money is being raised through KickStarterfor the project, which will take six months overall and cost $17,000. The fund-sourcing website also was used to raise money to restore the couch that Abe and Mary sat on while getting to know each other.
A piano concertwith the restored piano is scheduled for Feb. 6 and will be recorded. "You can own a CD of Lincoln's favorite music played on the piano he used to listen to," Holst said.
Proceeds from that CD will go toward restoringthe second floor of the home. The first floor was restored earlier this year to look as it did in the mid-1800s.
