I have always been fascinated by history and historical characters and the way that they lived. History of when and how things took place were always some that intrigued me. A show popped up on the Discovery Channel a couple weeks ago called, The Lost Lincoln Photo. This caught my attention. I clicked on the one minute teaser to get a feel for what the show would be discussing and examining, the title only gave me a little bit of info. The teaser sparked my interest so much so that I knew I was going to be spending my Sunday night watching this feature.

The Lost Lincoln Photo is about an alleged photograph of Lincoln on his death bed in the Petersen House across from Ford’s Theatre. The photo was taken by the Ulke brothers. Questions that came up with the alleged photo is how and when it was taken and was it approved to be taken?

The picture was an Ambrotype. Ambrotypes were popular during the 1850s and 1860s. By the time Lincoln was killed and the photo was taken most photos were not Ambrotypes but various other types of photographs.

When it was taken was a big question on the mind of the Dr. Whitny Braun, the lead authenticator committed to finding the truth behind the Lincoln death bed picture. Dr. Braun talked to photograph experts and specialists that focus entirely on Ambrotype and 1860s photograph types. Photographs taken during that time took time to do, setting up the camera, taking the picture and getting the photo printed. Ambrotype took about 5-10 minutes to set up and take the picture. This was a very good possibility for the picture to be taken quickly.

The third and most important question is was it approved by anyone working under President Lincoln or the doctor around the deathbed? Most experts believe that no one approved of a photograph to be taken. Hence why the deathbed picture of President Lincoln is just now coming to surface after 150+ years of the picture being taken. This photograph was very risky to take. Back during the early to middle 1800s it was common practice to take pictures of people on their deathbed. Not sure why that was but this was during the time that it was also common practice to not smile during family photos. The Ulke brothers are thought to have taken the infamous photo.

This show takes a look at a photo graph that is claiming to be of President Lincoln on his deathbed. For those history junkies, this show is rich and full of first hand accounts of what happened in the aftermath of President Lincoln being shot at Ford’s Theatre.

I recommend that you check it out.