LINCOLN - An Abraham Lincoln exhibit in Pennsylvania is gaining national attention, thanks to artifacts donated by Lincoln College's museum.

"I can't say enough good about the Lincoln College museum and basically the entire state of Illinois for being such a big help," said Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum executive director Joseph Garrera.

The 10,000-square-foot exhibit at the Allentown museum is called "Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America." It runs through September but already has attracted thousands of visitors and newspaper articles in New York City.

"The museum gave us some key items that really helped 'up' the shock-and-awe power," Garrera said.

All the attention, Garrera said, is thanks to Lincoln College museum.

"Our group tours are up 426 percent; we are filled with children from all over. The power of Lincoln is amazing. I think this is an early test case of Lincoln's popularity. Lincoln is extremely powerful," Garrera said.

Included in the loan are a ballot box from 1860; Tad Lincoln's rocking chair; a lock of hair from Mary Todd Lincoln; a locally made campaign banner of 1860; and the blood-stained dress worn by actress Laura Keene, who comforted Lincoln after he was shot.

"It doesn't get any better than this. This is a strong spirit of cooperation and camaraderie," Garrera said. "These artifacts are real jewels, and we are going to continue to support this small museum as much as we possibly can. We owe a debt of gratitude to the museum."

Ron Keller, curator of the Lincoln College museum, said Lincoln College was more than happy to loan the items.

"It's a wonderful museum, and Lincoln is not their forte, so we were more than happy to help them delve into the Lincoln world," said Keller. "This is the largest Lincoln exhibit out East, ever. The more opportunities we have to get Lincoln out there, the better."

Keller said he hopes the interest is a pre-cursor to interest in Lincoln's bicentennial birthday celebration in 2009.

The Allentown museum also received donations from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., and from private collections.