History Comes Alive

What is it?

History Comes Alive is a city-wide summer event series that explores the rich history of Springfield. Lincoln Home collaborates with various park partners from June to August. Here’s a list of all the events taking place at Lincoln Home:

Check out the Calendar for dates and times!

 

Chef stirring a cheese sauce for horseshoes.

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Ranger Bryce at Toys & Games

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Mary Lincoln at History Cooks.

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Troubadours singing during History Comes Alive.

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History Cooks

Lincoln Land Community College Community Education is partnering with the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau to present the “History Cooks” series. This summer program offers free cooking and baking demonstrations of dishes inspired by Presidential cuisine.

Attendees will receive a souvenir recipe card to recreate the dishes at home. Archived recipe cards from previous demonstrations are available at the Visitor Center Information Desk.

History Cooks is scheduled for Fridays at 12pm at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
 

Meet the Gardeners

Learn about the Dean Hierloom Garden from our Master Gardeners themselves! Join them to hear their experience growing plants and vegetables at Lincoln Home including details of plants they grow, planting tips, and techniques.

Meet Abraham and Mary Lincoln at Lincoln Home National Historic Site!

This interactive experience allows visitors to step back in time and gain personal insights into the lives of one of America's most iconic couples. The reenactors will share stories, answer questions, and provide a glimpse into the daily life and challenges faced by the Lincolns. It's a perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages to deepen their understanding of the past in a fun and educational setting.

19th Century Historic Toys & Games with Abe & Mary Lincoln

We invite you to an engaging afternoon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where you can explore historic toys and games. This event offers a unique opportunity to interact with skilled reenactors portraying Abraham and Mary Lincoln, making history come alive. It's an ideal occasion to gain insights into this iconic couple and their era while participating in enjoyable and educational activities. Don't miss this captivating journey into the past!

Toys & Boys at Home - Abe & Tad Lincoln

Join Abraham and Tad for an engaging day of toys and games at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Experience the excitement as you explore this historic location, where history is brought to life through interactive activities

Hello Neighbor! Meet the Lincoln’s Neighbor, Elizabeth Jenkins

Experience history up close as Elizabeth Jenkins, a neighbor of the Lincoln family, is brought to life through living history. A historical reenactor will be at the park sharing stories of Elizabeth's life and times in the 1800's.

At Home with the Lincolns (Abe & Mary)

The reenactors will share stories, answer questions, and provide a glimpse into the daily life and challenges faced by the Lincolns. It's a perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages to deepen their understanding of the past in a fun and educational setting.

A Fabric of Friendship: Mary Lincoln & White House Dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley

Join us for a first-person portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, presented by historical reenactors. This program will talk about Mary Lincoln's dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley

Mary Lincoln Vignette: “Let’s Talk Insanity”

"Let's Talk Insanity" is a first-person portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, presented by a historical reenactor. In this program, Mrs. Lincoln reflects on the emotional and personal challenges that led to her 1875 institutionalization as well as the lasting impact of public scrutiny and private grief.

Mary Lincoln Vignette: “My Life in Springfield”

A Mary Lincoln reenactor will be giving a talk about her life in Springfield, IL and answering questions. She will be providing a glimpse into the daily life of Mary Lincoln. It's a perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages to deepen their understanding of the past in a fun and educational setting.

Mary Lincoln Vignette: “My Life as a Boy Mom”

Raising children is no easy task. This was especially true in the mid-18th century when Mrs. Lincoln was raising her children. Her four sons are still known today for being quite the wild and active handful. Listen to Mary share the joys and challenges of parenting Robert, Eddie, Willie, and Tad as they grew up in their Springfield home.

Turbulent Ties: Mary Lincoln vs. William Herndon

Mary Lincoln and Abraham's former law partner William Herdon were a pair of people who never got along and who did not remember each other happily. Mary and Herndon had much to say each about each other, and what we remember today are not the words of friendship. This program will discuss their rivalry and the lasting impacts of their animosity on how we understand these two today.

Peaches & Bacon (Fiddle & Banjo Duo).

Peaches & Bacon is stopping by to play some old-time, Appalachian-style fiddle and banjo music. The play a mix of Euopean and African-influenced music that was brought to America by immigrants and slaves.

Check the Calendar for performances.

Burr Oak String Band Old Time, Raggy Blues, Bluegrass, & Folk

The Burr Oak String Band offers a mix of lively instrumentals and heartfelt harmonies. Proficient in a range of instruments and styles—like old-time, ragtime blues, bluegrass, and folk; they appeal to a wide array of musical preferences. Rooted in the heritage of American old-time string music, the band's harmonies and collaboration of mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and clawhammer banjo enable the Burr Oak sound to reach beyond traditional genres and styles.

Check the Calendar for performances.

19th Century Historic Toys & Games with Abe & Mary Lincoln

Join us for an afternoon of historic toys and games with Abraham and Mary Lincoln reenactors at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site!

Lincoln Troubadours (Vocal Acapella Group)

Join us on Tuesdays to hear Civil War-era folk songs performed live by Springfield's own acapella group, the Lincoln Troubadours!

 

 

Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Jenkins talking to visitors.

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Abraham and Tad Lincoln.

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Elizabeth Jenkins.

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Abraham Lincoln

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