Everyone loves a mystery – especially an historic one. Lincoln’s Lost Treasure is a new reality theater adventure in Gettysburg that focuses on the town’s most famous visitor, Abraham Lincoln.
Writer Phil Cohen, who has been a producer and director for murder mystery dinner theater in York for several years, got the idea for Lincoln’s Lost Treasure after seeing the movie National Treasure II, disappointed that the film didn’t focus more on Abraham Lincoln. The 16th President, a rather mysterious man in real life, has always interested those who study American history. Soon Phil came up with a fictitious story (with an historical balance) about a supposed treasure Lincoln brought to Gettysburg in 1863. According to the story, Lincoln brought the treasure to hide in Gettysburg in case he was not reelected for his second term, and didn’t want excessive funds to fall into the wrong hands and perpetuate the destruction of the nation. His fears were quelled when he won reelection, but unfortunately Lincoln was assassinated before the treasure could be returned to the government.
Phil’s business partner Doug Hieatzman, a professional magician and freelance designer for video and theater who has worked for Disney, agreed that Phil’s story was a captivating adventure – and was destined to be brought to life.
The live theater experience is family friendly and lasts about 2 hours. The mission is to find the lost treasure, finding clues and ciphers along the way that lead to it. The secret to locating the cache “lies with Bliss”, meaning the Bliss copy of the Gettysburg Address. Historically, Lincoln hand-copied five of his Gettysburg orations, giving them to his secretaries, John Hay and John Nicolay, to fellow Gettysburg orator Edward Everett, and to associates Bancroft and Bliss. Today, these copies are housed in various locales: one is in the Lincoln Bedroom at The White House, one is found at Cornell University in New York, one is in Springfield, Illinois; and two can be found in the Library of Congress. Mr. Cohen discovered during his research that the Nicolay copy is torn, with a corner missing – which has opened up many possibilities for adventure.
Enter “Mr. Barnagee”, a wealthy investor, whose family has searched for the fictitious treasure for generations. Aiding the treasure seekers in their century-long search is where the audience participates.
“We want the audience to be as close to the story as possible,” Doug explained, “so we have eliminated the curtain that separates them from the stage.” He adds, “And when you’re dealing with live theater, anything can happen – and usually does.” If the treasure seekers get stuck or lost, there is a number to call to get back on track. Live actors and actual Gettysburg business owners are put in the adventurers’ path to help them on their quest.
Having worked with theater and improv for many years, both proprietors – who are involved first-hand in the experience as well – use the reality to enhance the story. After searching through a labyrinth of clues, the ending has an amazing twist. “The ending is really fun,” Phil says.
“Participants have been known to gasp at the ending,” Doug adds.
To be a part of Lincoln’s Lost Treasure, call 800-838-3006 to reserve a spot, as space is limited and the adventure has been known to sell out. Seven tours are offered per weekend day (from 11:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.) through the summer and into the fall. You can also log on to the website for reservations, at www.lincolnslosttreasure.com.
The journey lasts for about 2 hours. Participants need to be able to walk a bit and read the clues, so the suggested age for beginners is for adventurers aged 10 and up. Phil and Doug have found that young people especially enjoy the hunt, and discover some interesting facts about our enigmatic 16th President in the process.
Lincoln’s Lost Treasure is Gettysburg’s newest adventure, one of historic proportions. Be a part of the history, and enjoy the journey.
