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History Comes Alive at Springfield Historic Sites

Start Date

Friday, June 06, 2025

End Date

Saturday, August 09, 2025

Title

History Comes Alive at Springfield Historic Sites

Description

History Comes Alive

https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/HistoryComesAlive.aspx

Weekly Musical Programs at the Old State Capitol - June 6 to Aug. 9 

  • Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m., Peaches & Bacon (fiddle & banjo duo)
  • Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m., Noon, & 1:00 p.m, Musical Instruments of the Civil War, 2:00 p.m Peaches & Bacon (fiddle & banjo Duo)
  • Thursdays, 12:30 p.m, Ben Bedford Concert Sings 19th Century America, 1:00 p.m Burr Oak String Band (old time, raggy blues, bluegrass, and folk)
  • Fridays, 10:00 a.m. Campfire Tales: Lincoln’s America through Stories & Song, 11:00 a.m. & Noon, Musical Instruments of the Civil War

Weekly Summer Programs at State Historic Sites

HISTORIC GROUNDS at the Old State Capitol - June 6 to Aug. 9 -  Tuesdays:  9:00 a.m.

The Old State Capitol, which was the setting for Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 House Divided Speech and the 1865 ratification of the 13th Amendment by the Illinois legislature, remains an important and relevant museum today. Join a staff member from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for coffee and conversation highlighting the recent Old State Capitol preservation project.

FLAG LOWERING CEREMONY AT LINCOLN TOMB: June 6 to Aug. 9, Tuesdays · 7:00 p.m

A don’t miss evening event! Once a week through the end of August, experience a breathtaking flag-lowering ceremony! The rhythmic drumming fills the air as the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment marches in to perform a poignant tribute in front of the Lincoln Tomb. The ceremony includes a powerful musket firing and a resounding cannon salute. Each week, a lucky audience member is honored with the presentation of the flag, creating a cherished memory

CLASH OF THE TITANS at the Old State Capitol: June 6 to Aug. 9, Fridays 1:00 p.m

Dive into the profound historical significance of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Through a compelling reenactment and third-person reflection on the steps of the Old State Capitol, gain insight into the pivotal clash of ideologies that shaped the nation’s trajectory during a critical juncture in American history.

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM at the Old State Capitol: June 6 to Aug. 9, Fridays 2:00 p.m

The courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them are highlighted in this new exhibit about the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Learn about the network of people, who often at great risk to themselves, collaborated to assist those searching for freedom and dignity. Exhibit open daily Tuesday through Saturday, with this special program taking place on Fridays only.

DATE NIGHT at the Dana-Thomas House: June 6 to Aug. 9, Saturdays 5:30 - 7:00 p.m 

Step into the elegance of yesteryear for an exclusive event. Nestled amidst lush gardens and steeped in history, this Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece invites you and a loved one to an evening that includes an exclusive tour, some delectable bites, and a delightful signature Dana-Thomas mocktail. Reservations on Eventbrite required.

MUSIC OF THE ILLINOIS FREEDOM ROAD OLD STATE CAPITOL: June 20 & July 18 · 2:00 p.m

Award-winning folk musician and folklorist Chris Vallillo brings the music and the stories of the Underground Railroad in Illinois to life in this engaging and powerful show featuring first-person accounts of freedom seekers as well as performances and insights into the music that drove this historic movement.

Event Type

Historic Site

DNR Region

West Central IL, East Central IL

Location

Downtown Springfield

DNR Park

Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb, Dana-Thomas House

City

Springfield

State

Illinois

Phone

217-782-2717

Map