A mystery hidden in time. Wrapped in gold. Stowed secretly in Lincoln's pocket. We dig into the family story of a secret message etched inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch. Is this a tall tale or a hidden piece of history waiting to be discovered? Join us as we dive into this incredible tale of family lore, historical detective work, and the Smithsonian's decision to open a priceless artifact.  

Guests: 

Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of American political history at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Harry Rubenstein, curator emeritus in the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Doug Stiles, great-great-grandson of watchmaker Jonathan Dillon

Chapters:

00:00 | Lincoln’s Pocket Watch | Young Abraham Lincoln buys a watch to mark his transformation into a successful lawyer and rising politician.

~02:00 | A Story Passed Down | Doug Stiles hears a family legend: his Irish ancestor, a watchmaker, etched a secret message inside Lincoln’s watch during the Civil War.

 ~05:00 | The Search Begins | Doug investigates—old photos, museum archives, and a 1906 New York Times story suggest the legend might be real.

~09:00 | Calling the Smithsonian | Curators are skeptical… until a newspaper clipping convinces them to open the watch. The media gathers for a public reveal.

~12:00 | The Opening | A master watchmaker struggles, then finally opens Lincoln’s watch. A hidden inscription is discovered inside.

~15:00 | “Thank God We Have a Government” | The real engraving is revealed, along with unexpected names—including “Jeff Davis.” Lincoln never knew he carried this secret message.

~18:00 | The Legacy in the Watch | Curators and Doug reflect on how a hidden statement of hope traveled with Lincoln through war, Gettysburg, and to his final days.