What’s open and closed on Lincoln’s Birthday

Connecticut has two holidays in February that celebrate the birthdays of presidents.

Connecticut is one of only four states, alongside Illinois, Missouri and New York, to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, with a state holiday, according to the Library of Congress. This wasn’t always the case; in 1940, 24 states and the District of Columbia observed Honest Abe’s birthday, according to the National Constitution Center. However, after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1968, most states moved towards just honoring a combined celebration of Lincoln’s birthday alongside that of President George Washington on the third Monday of each February, during what is commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day, the Library of Congress added.

Lincoln, the United States’ 16th president, is credited with keeping the country together with his leadership during the Civil War. He also helped end the practice of slavery in the country by signing the Emancipation Proclamation as well as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution during his term from 1861-65.

Most Connecticut businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, gyms and supermarkets, do not adjust their schedules for Lincoln’s Birthday. Mail is delivered, as well. However, some government-backed entities, like courts and town offices, can be affected as workers are given time off or holiday pay.

Here are some of the establishments in the state that are affected by the holiday:

Schools

According to Section 1-4 of the Connecticut General Statutes, local and regional boards of education may choose to close public schools to celebrate a state legal holiday. If a school remains open, it must hold a “nonsectarian educational program” to honor the holiday. Check with your local public school to see if regular honors have been adjusted.

Some Connecticut schools, such as those in the Consolidated School District of New Britain, chose to give students Feb. 16 off this year instead of Feb. 12, to connect with the federal holiday on Feb. 19 for Washington’s birthday.

Connecticut Lottery

The Connecticut Lottery headquarters in Wallingford is set to be closed; however, regular drawings will still occur, the organization’s website reads.

Courts

Courts are set to be closed to honor the holiday, the State of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch’s website reads.

Banks and credit unions

Connecticut banks and credit unions are “not obligated to close” on legal holidays, but can if they wish, according to CT.gov. If they do, they must give their customers two weeks notice. Check with your local bank to see if hours are adjusted.

Libraries

Some libraries, including the Connecticut State Library, are set to be closed.

Department of Motor Vehicles

The Department of Motor Vehicles observed the holiday on Saturday, closing 10 offices for the day, according to CT.gov.

Museums

The Museum of Connecticut History is set to close on Monday, according to its website.

Other government services

The Connecticut Insurance Department will be closed, according to its holiday schedule.

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services is set to observe the holiday on Monday, its schedule reads.

Many town offices across the state will be closed on Monday to observe the holiday. Check with your city or town for more details.