Ep 5. Lincoln's Last Ride

Museum Men is an American television show that follows a team of experts as they recreate historical artifacts for various museums and institutions across the country. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Lincoln's Last Ride," the team takes on the challenge of recreating the hearse that carried President Abraham Lincoln's body during his funeral procession.

The episode begins with the team meeting with David Renzi, a Lincoln historian and collector who owns one of the four remaining original pieces of the hearse. The team examines the fragment and discusses the challenges they will face in recreating the rest of the hearse.

Next, the team travels to the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas where they can view a replica of the hearse and take precise measurements and photographs. They also consult with the museum's curator who provides them with historical context and insight into the hearse's significance.

Back at their workshop in Orlando, Florida, the team begins the arduous process of recreating the hearse. They start by building a wooden frame that will form the base of the carriage. They then use plasticine and plaster to create a mold of the ornate carvings on the sides of the hearse.

Once the mold is complete, the team pours molten aluminum into it to create the decorative elements of the hearse. They then spend hours sanding and polishing the pieces to ensure they are smooth and shiny.

Next, the team turns their attention to the wheels. They cut wooden pieces to size and use a lathe to shape the intricate details. They then attach steel clips to hold the wheels in place and use a blacksmith's forge to heat and bend the metal.

Assembling the hearse is the most complicated part of the process. The team uses steel pins and brackets to hold the various pieces together, but they encounter several challenges along the way. For example, the weight of the wheels causes the frame to bow, so they have to reinforce it with additional supports.

Despite these setbacks, the team perseveres and finishes the hearse just in time for the big reveal. They load the hearse onto a trailer and transport it to the Lincoln museum in Springfield, Illinois where it will go on display alongside other artifacts from Lincoln's assassination and funeral.

At the museum, the team meets with curator James Cornelius who is impressed with their recreation of the hearse. He notes that the hearse is an important piece of history that has long been overlooked, and he is grateful to have it in the museum's collection.

Throughout the episode, Museum Men provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of historical restoration and preservation. The team's dedication and attention to detail are truly impressive, and it is clear that they have a passion for bringing history to life. "Lincoln's Last Ride" is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or the art of museum curation.