Library Event Aims to Solve Mystery of Abraham Lincoln’s Missing Brain

Philadelphia Deringer .41 Pistol and bullet, identical to those used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, currently on display in the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research.

The Allen County Public Library invites history enthusiasts, Lincoln scholars, and curious minds to a captivating presentation that dives deep into one of the most fascinating stories in American history. On Wednesday, April 16, at 2 p.m. ET, Lincoln at the Library will present “Lincoln Postmortem: Abraham Lincoln’s Cranial Autopsy and the Mystery of his Illustrious Brain,” an insightful lecture by Lee D. Eutsey.

In this special program, Eutsey will explore the fascinating and long-unsolved mystery of the fate of President Abraham Lincoln’s brain following his tragic assassination on April 14, 1865. Just hours after Lincoln was shot, Army surgeons performed a cranial autopsy to remove the bullet that had shattered his skull. But what happened to the most famous brain in American history remains shrouded in intrigue and unanswered questions that have persisted for more than 150 years.

Eutsey will present his original research, shedding new light on the disappearance and the bizarre twists surrounding the journey of Lincoln’s brain after his death. This event offers a rare opportunity to explore an often-overlooked chapter in Lincoln’s legacy through the eyes of a dedicated researcher with deep insights into this historical enigma.

This program is available both virtually and in person. Attendees can join the lecture through Zoom by registering at this link. Those who prefer to attend in person can register at the Allen County Public Library’s event page here. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance.

For additional information or questions, please contact the library at Lincoln@ACPL.info.

What: "Lincoln Postmortem: Abraham Lincoln’s Cranial Autopsy and the Mystery of his Illustrious Brain"

When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Virtual via Zoom and in-person at the Allen County Public Library, Meeting Room B (900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne)

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About the ACPL

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 135 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 3.9 million items, with a circulation total of 4.6 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 30,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.