History Comes Alive | Springfield, Illinois

JUNE 2 - AUGUST 6, 2023

This summer History Comes Alive returns for its 14th Season as Abraham and Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time!

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 Lincoln Herndon Law Office Visitors Center, 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. Listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot, meet and greet both Mary Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, and enjoy live music and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.

HISTORY COOKS IS BACK!

Calling all foodies! History Cooks is back! 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? Check out the new History Cooks collection! 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!

SATURDAY MORNING SHUTTLE SERVICE!

Springfield wasn't the only town Abraham Lincoln ever lived. 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. (Reservations will be accepted online soon.)

EVEN MORE TO SEE AND DO!

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

This season:
-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: the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon,
-Relax on the lawn during the Levitt AMP concert series,
-Partake in a guided trail walk at one of Springfield's premier outdoor destinations, the Lincoln Memorial Garden,
-Join in a special program at the African American History Museum,
-Have a behind the scenes tour of the GenX exhibit at the Illinois State Museum, and
-Encounter Illinois Soldiers throughout history at the Illinois State Military Museum.

It is these encounters, and more, that bring history to life!