By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — It was 150 years ago this month that then-presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln made a train journey from Providence to Woonsocket where he delivered one of his most significant speeches to a crowd of 1,500.

On May 15, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is making it possible to experience some of the excitement of that historic campaign visit with a special event.
The 150th Abraham Lincoln Train Tour will recreate this journey that was made in 1860 by America's 16th president.  Participants will ride on an excursion car on the Providence & Worcester Railroad, the same railway line that carried Lincoln from Providence to Worcester.
With sponsorship from The Times, The Call, and Neighbors publications, and Navigant Credit Union, tickets are now available at a reduced price of $25 per person.
Participants will join “Abraham Lincoln” as he travels once again from Providence to Woonsocket on the Providence & Worcester Railroad. The tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The train leaves Amtrak Station, 100 Gaspee St., Providence (across from the Rhode Island Statehouse) at 9:30 a.m. for a four-hour visit to Woonsocket. Passengers are encouraged to dress in period costume.
Along the journey, “Abe” and some of his advisors will be passing through the train to bring to life that historical period, discuss what the landscape looked like at the time, and answer questions about Lincoln's presidency and the politics of the day. Chief Justice Frank J. Williams (ret.), a noted Abraham Lincoln scholar and author, will also be taking part in the event.
Once in Woonsocket, participants will be invited to Harris Hall (now Woonsocket City Hall at 169 Main St.) to hear Lincoln's historic Cooper Union speech. This speech earned Lincoln national acclaim and is considered to be one of his best political oratories. The speech presentations will be at 11 a.m. and again at noon.
The Providence Brigade Band will be playing period music for the tour participants and several National Park Service Rangers will be available to lead walking tours of the city. While in Woonsocket, participants will also have time to visit the Museum of Work & Culture, visit local shops, and dine at one of the many nearby restaurants before the return train ride back to Providence.
Each passenger will receive a signed commemorative print from an original painting of Abraham Lincoln that was done by Blackstone Valley artist Peter Campbell. Each ticket to the event includes a chance to win the original portrait done by Campbell that is valued at $2,000.
Donna Houle, project manager for the BVTC, said “We realized that this year would be the 150th    anniversary of the speech that was given by Abraham Lincoln at Harris Hall. Many people don't even realize that Lincoln was ever in Woonsocket, and we wanted to commemorate this special event.” She added, “This was the first time we have brought this train from Providence to Woonsocket.”
Ross Silva, marketing manager for Navigant Credit Union, said “We are proud to support this event and the efforts of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. He added that the credit union is “always here to help our local community and the organizations that serve it.”
For ticket reservations, call the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at 724-2200.