The 15th Annual History Comes Alive summer experience is kicking off in Springfield, Illinois! Starting Friday, May 31 through August 5, 2024 Abraham & 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 from the Municipal Band and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.
What’s happening in 2024?
“History Cooks: Food of Lincoln’s Springfield” Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, 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– Fridays at Noon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, beginning June 7
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.
Dana-Thomas House Events Celebrating 120 Years – An Evening of Art & Architecture is an evening guided tour experience and seasonal fun in the courtyard. Guests will also be able to view the Black Art and Culture Exhibit curated by Alyssa Farmer and Austin Wells. Reservations encouraged 5:30pm-7:30pm and Date Night at the Dana on Saturday evenings 5:30pm-7:15pm, step into the elegance of yesteryear for an exclusive event. Delectable bites and a signature “Dana” mocktail, all while being serenaded by esteemed local musician Ben Bedford. Reservations required. No Date Night on June 8
Bird Watching with Audubon – Join America’s premiere artist and ornithologist, John James Audubon, on a unique, bird watching adventure at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays Audubon and will regale you with his in-depth observations of the species we happen to see along the trail. – Fridays at 8am at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Alive on the Plaza – Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2pm-4pm, join Abe and a host of characters on the Old State Capitol Plaza for captivating speech reenactments, vivid historical portrayals, engaging demonstrations and enchanting 19th-century musical performances.
Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb – New this year, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Tomb dedication, President Ullyses S. Grant reenactor will perform the Tomb Dedication speech at 6:30pm prior to 7:00pm flag lowering. Additionally, beginning at 6:00pm the Civil War Era Band will perform a concert.
Additional weekly special events in 2024 can be found in the full program at: https://www.
About Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. The SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination in support of our City, our community and our hospitality partners.
