History Comes Alive | Springfield, Illinois

May 31-August 4, 2024

VISIT SPRINGFIELD, IL TO HOLD STUDENT GETTYSBURG SPEECH CONTEST!

Visit Springfield, IL is thrilled to announce a student Gettysburg speech contest as part of the annual summer program HISTORY COMES ALIVE. Ten students will be selected to present this iconic speech on the steps of the historic Old State Capitol, offering each the unique chance to honor the legacy of President Lincoln, as well as demonstrate their talent and passion for history. The contest is open to all students in grades 3-8 (public, private, parochial, and home school).

Each of the 10 best submissions will travel to Springfield on a designated weekend (between May 31st & August 3rd) for a complimentary overnight hotel stay courtesy of the Illinois Educators Credit Union. Each students & their family will enjoy a behind the scenes visit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the Lincoln Home Historic Site, as well as a personal meet & greet with Springfield’s very own Abraham Lincoln Portraitist. Your student will perform the speech Saturday morning on the steps of the Old State Capitol.

Submissions Deadline May 1st
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION DETAILS!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE OF HISTORY COMES ALIVE EVENTS IN 2024

HISTORY COOKS IS BACK!

Calling all foodies! By popular demand, HISTORY COOKS is back for another season of History Comes Alive. Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, you can enjoy live cooking demonstrations by local chefs each week inspired by some of Springfield’s most famous “fooderies” over the past 100+ years. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary School, recipes will be available after the demonstration so you can try our famous food at home!

View the 2022 Recipe Collection!
View the 2023 Recipe Collection!

SUMMER DOWNTOWN TROLLEY SERVICE

Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with our free historic site trolley service! Our hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions. Available from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday, board the trolley from any of our designated stops, hop off at the attractions you want to visit, and simply hop back on when you want to continue. For more details visit the Springfield Visitors Center in the Historic Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. 217-789-2360 Runs May 31st thru August 4th.