The “Lincoln” movie has gathered much attention lately, given the important story to be be told and the high profile brilliant actors and actresses (Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field) and director (Steven Spielberg) to make this film happen.

The emergence of this movie made me think of the Lincoln family’s presence in New England. Did you know that the Lincoln family home, known as Hildene, is located in Manchester, Vt.? Robert Todd Lincoln, a successful industrialist and the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, to survive until adulthood, built this stunning Georgian Revival piece of architecture in 1905. Lincoln descendants called this “home” until 1975. Today, you can tour Hildene as a museum.

Although admission is on the high side of our idea of “Thrifty Travel,” we decided it’s a good deal as the rich history — and remnants from it — are one-of-a-kind priceless. Some highlights include  a video presentation, a self-guided tour of Robert and Mary Lincoln’s home and its myriad artifacts, hearing the 1,000-pipe Aeolian organ and visiting the Hoyt Formal Garden.

Manchester is a beautiful Vermont town, but not complete without a visit to this historical home. If you go — or if you have been — write us back in the comment box below about your experiences at Hildene.

Hildene is open daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hildene is located at 1005 Hildene Rd. in Manchester VT. Tel. (802) 362- 1788. For more information on Hildene, log onto the Hildene Web Site at http://www.hildene.org/

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