2023 DATES COMING SOON

In 2022 History Comes Alive returned for its 13th season. Abraham and Mary Lincoln led a cast of characters on a trip back in time.

During History Comes Alive visitors are able to meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield. From historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, to a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, visitors are invited to become a part of living history. In 2022 visitors were able to listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches, connect with Mary over tea at the Vachel Lindsay Home, and enjoy live music and an ice cream social with the two at Edwards Place.

HISTORY COOKS 2022 COLLECTION

Calling all foodies! Have you ever wondered what Mrs. Lincoln fed her hungry boys, or how the ethnic diversity played into the food of the Lincoln neighborhood, or what was served at Lincoln's Inaugural Dinner?

Each week the Lincoln Home has partnered with Lincoln Land Community College's Culinary School to feature a cooking demonstration inspired by the life and times of the Lincoln Neighborhood. Make sure to collect all of this season's recipe cards so you can make your own history cooks dish!

View the 2022 Recipe Collection!

Springfield wasn't the only town Abraham Lincoln ever lived in. In 2023 you will be able to reserve your spot on the free Saturday morning shuttle to Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. The reconstructed pioneer village near Petersburg, IL is where Abraham spent his life as a young adult. Let us shuttle you back in time so you can explore this site on your own for a few hours every Saturday.

Since the time of Lincoln, Springfield has welcomed Route 66, witnessed events that prompted social change, and experienced artistic and cultural development.

In 2022 we celebrated Springfield's history throughout the years. Visitors were able to:
-Join the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for one of their free Walk, Hike and Bike Tours,
-Reserve a spot on a Springfield Walks tour,
-Get your kicks on Route 66 with a guided Ace Sign Company Sign Museum tour,
-Listen to one of the largest Carillons in the world during the weekly Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon concerts,
-Enjoy musical concerts during Art on the Plaza, and the Levitt AMP concert series,
-Explore the trails with a guide at one of Springfield's premier outdoor destinations, Lincoln Memorial Garden,
-Have one of a kind experiences at the Springfield & Central IL African American History Museum and the Illinois State Museum,
-Celebrate the birthday of Lincoln's former General, President Ulysses S. Grant, at the Illinois State Military Museum, and encounter Illinois soldiers throughout history.

It is these encounters, and more, that bring history to life! See you in 2023!