SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites the public to remember President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday this month with free events at state historic sites around Illinois. Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809, spent most of his adult life in Illinois, and went on to become the 16th president of the United States.
The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site will host a meet and greet with a President Lincoln impersonator from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Families are welcome to take pictures with Lincoln, make crafts, and enjoy birthday cake at the home of one of Lincoln's closest friends and political allies, Judge David Davis. The site is at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington.
The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate Lincoln’s birthday with a special event Sunday, Feb. 9. Bond County historian Kevin Kaegy will present a program about the Lincoln boys in the White House at 2 p.m. in the Supreme Court room on the first floor of the site. Birthday cake and punch will be provided afterward.
In addition, the Vandalia Statehouse, 315 W. Gallatin St., will be open Wednesday, Feb. 12 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for tours and free cookies while supplies last.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 with refreshments and crafts for children. The site is located at 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road in Lerna. For more information, call 217-345-1845.
The Lincoln Tomb in Springfield will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. The final resting place of the nation’s 16th president, his wife, and three of their children is located at 1500 Monument Ave. in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
