Springfield Historic Sites Programming and Special Events

At the Springfield State Historic Sites, our events are always changing and we are pleased to offer a variety of programs ranging on various topics related to our sites. Check here for our latest offerings for each site.

Dana-Thomas House

• Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM: Attention to Detail Tour. Join us for an in-depth tour of the Dana-Thomas House, focusing on the details of Frank Lloyd Wright's design. Expert volunteer Frank Marchant will lead you on this in-depth tour of the Dana-Thomas House. The tour, which is twice as long as a general tour, includes entering rooms that are not seen on other tours. You'll get a detailed look at the house from an architectural perspective, including some colorful stories related to the Dana House. The tour will last approximately 2 hours, depending on guest questions and discussion. There is no cost for the tour, but donations to support the site are suggested. https://AttentionToDetailDanaThomasHouse.eventbrite.com

• Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM: Of Glass and Wood Tour. Join us for this in-depth look at the incredible furniture and art glass of Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House. Expert volunteer Frank Marchant will lead you on this in-depth tour of the Dana-Thomas House. The tour features an extremely extensive consideration of what is the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright furniture and art glass anywhere in the world. Architectural prospectives of the glass will be noted, and you'll hear some colorful stories about Frank Lloyd Wright. The tour will last approximately 2 hours, depending on guest questions and discussion. There is no cost for the tour, but donations to support the site are suggested. https://OfGlassAndWoodDanaThomasHouse.eventbrite.com

• Saturday, November 7, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Building for Wildlife: Chickadee Houses, Dana-Thomas House Courtyard - IDNR staff will lead you in building your own bird house for the black-capped chickadee. Educational information about native bird species and conservation will also be provided. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Reservations are available at https://buildingforwildlife.eventbrite.com

• Paint-A-Pot with Ceramics Made by Rosie - Reservations Required at https://www.ceramicsmadebyrosie.com/paintapot
  • Sunday, November 1: Little Makers Series  2:00-4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 18: 5:30-7:30 pm
  • Sunday, November 22: Little Makers Series 2:00-4:00 pm
    

• Monday, November 30 and Monday, December 7, 5:30-7:00 PM: Read, Reflect and Create: Line Drawing with Ben Bedford -Artist Ben Bedford guides you in this line drawing class for a new way to experience the Dana-Thomas House.  We’ll begin with an inspirational reading passage (instructor will provide, or bring your own to share) followed by guided reflection and drawing activities. Create a unique piece to keep and cherish, or gift to a loved one this holiday season. Reservations are required and will be available in Eventbrite soon.

• SOLD OUT: Monday, November 23, 5:30-7:30 PM: Flower Arranging with Bloom Wine Bar & Florals - All ages welcome; must be age 21+ and provide ID to purchase/consume alcohol. The first of a new program series, the team at Bloom Wine Bar & Florals will lead us in a flower arranging workshop.  Create your own arrangement while enjoying refreshments provided by Bloom.  This month you will create a lovely centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.  Reservations are required on Bloom’s website.

• SOLD OUT: Saturday-Sunday, November 7-8, and Saturday-Sunday, November 14-15: Teddy Bear Sleepover - Children ages 4-15 are invited to bring a stuffed animal to the Dana-Thomas House for a special tour, fun activities and snacks.  The stuffed animals will then stay at the site and enjoy their own special night of fun activities in a “teddy bear sleepover.” Stuffed animals can be picked up the following day at the Sumac Shop, where they will receive photos and a journal of their friend’s overnight adventures in the Dana-Thomas House. The event is free, but reservations are required and are available at https://DTHTeddyBearSleepover.eventbrite.com.

• First Annual Susan Lawrence Dana Lego© Brick Building Contest - The Dana-Thomas House will celebrate the birthday of Susan Lawrence Dana on October 13 with the first-ever Susan Lawrence Dana Lego Brick© Building Competition. The juried competition will honor Susan’s legacy as an advocate for the arts, design and craftsmanship while encouraging creativity among builders of all ages. Selected entries will be displayed inside the historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The competition will feature three categories: architecture, botanicals and freeform. Original creations are strongly encouraged. Entries will be judged in four age groups: ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-17, 18 and older. Participants must submit their application online by Oct. 13. A panel of judges will review photographs of submitted creations and select entries for exhibition. Winners will be announced the weekend of Oct. 31. Submitted creations will be displayed Nov. 1-15 throughout the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. For information on delivering your submitted design to the Dana-Thomas House, please email marcel.tworek@illinois.gov. Those who wish to support the competition can donate Lego bricks to the Dana-Thomas House Foundation through Oct. 1. Donations will be distributed to youth as part of a partnership with Compass for Kids. Lego brick donations may be dropped off from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Dana-Thomas House Foundation office, 302 E. Lawrence Ave. in Springfield. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is not affiliated with the Lego Group and this event is not authorized, sponsored or endorsed by the Lego Group. For more information about the competition, email dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.

Old State Capitol

• Thursdays – November 5, 12, 19, 4:00-5:00 PM: Wonderclubs -
  Wonderclubs is a hands-on science program for youth from 4 years old – 5^th Grade.  Each week there will be new fun experiments and activities for you to try. More information and reservations are available at https://WonderclubsOSC.eventbrite.com

• Saturday, November 21, 12:00-4:00 PM: CREATE Youth Art Exhibition - The State Historic Sites of Springfield will be hosting the CREATE art exhibition at the Old State Capitol. CREATEis a series of art shows curated by local youth. Students grades 7-12 are encouraged to design original pieces of art to be displayed at the Old State Capitol on select Saturdays throughout the winter. CREATE offers young artists a chance to exhibit their work in a formal art show setting and connect with the public to promote their designs.  CREATE is the brainchild of local artist and site volunteer, Tony Rubba. At the State Historic Sites, volunteers not only assist with day-to-day operations but develop programming to uplift our community. Tony believes that all youth should have the opportunity to experience the joy of art.  
  • How The Exhibit Will Work
  • Students will be instructed to create an original piece of art that will follow the theme and medium of their exhibit date. Artists are encouraged to participate in multiple exhibits. The following are the CREATE winter session dates, themes, and mediums: November 21: Thankful-graphite pencil, December 5: Hanukkah-colored pencil, December19: Christmas-water color, January 9: Snowflake-alcohol markers, January 23: Snowmen-pen and ink, February 6: Abraham Lincoln-pastels, and February 27: Fun in the Snow-acrylics. Artists are required to incorporate both the theme and medium in their pieces. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.  
  • Registration forms must be submitted one week prior to event for final approval. For those wishing to display their art, it is suggested to arrive at the Old State Capitol one hour before the event begins to organize their exhibit. All displayed art must be taken home at the completion of the art exhibit.  
  • CREATE winter sessions will take place Saturdays, November 21, December 5, December 19, January 9, January 23, February 6, and February 27 at the Illinois Old State Capitol from 12:00-4:00pm. Artist registration is free. Registration forms will be available online soon. Artists are encouraged to stay for the entirety of the event to promote their art to the public. For more information, please direct questions to Kaitlin Pottier at kaitlin.pottier@illinois.gov or call 217-785-5030. 

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

• Saturday, November 28, 3:00-6:00 PM: Old Capitol Holiday Walks - Stop by the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices during the Old Capitol Holiday walks to catch a holiday movie, enjoy some hot cocoa, participate in a free ornament making workshop, and check out the custom photo gifts available for sale.

Lincoln Library

• Wednesday, November 18, 3:30 PM: History in Film - Join us at the Lincoln Library as we continue to explore history through a filmmaker's lens.  This month will feature a 1992 musical film in which a beloved frog, bear, and pig share an iconic nineteenth century holiday story, and a discussion of the history of Christmas in Springfield.  The program is open to everyone; no reservations needed.

Read, Reflect, and Create Night | Mondays: November 2, 9, 16 ONLY

At 5:30  - 7:30 PM 

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful atmosphere of the Dana House.  Bring a book to read, bring your journal or sketchbook and reflect on the day, bring your current craft project and create, or use our materials to try our featured craft project.  You are also welcome to bring your own light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Free and open to all ages; reservations are suggested at https://dthreadreflectcreatenight.eventbrite.com

Game Nights | Wednesdays: November 4 and 11 ONLY

At 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Bring your family, friends and favorite board game to a table in one of the mansion’s historic rooms. Guests are also welcome to bring light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Free and open to all ages; reservations required as tables are limited. Sign up on our Eventbrite page: https://dthgamenights.eventbrite.com/

Art Nights | Thursdays: November 5, 12, 19, NOTE: No program November 26 (Thanksgiving)

At 5:30-7:30 PM

Artist-led classes for you to explore your creative side.  Reservations are required; some may require a fee to participate.

• November 5: Day of the Dead Painting with Monica Zanetti of Wild Rose: Monica will guide you in creating your own Day of the Dead themed painting. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Reservations are required and may be made at https://ArtNightsDTH.eventbrite.com.
• November 12: Make Your Own Terrarium with Mimi's Terrariums: Mimi's Terrariums is back with another opportunity for you to create your own terrarium. Reservations required at https://www.mimisterrariums.com/
• November 19: Sunset Painting with Monica Zanetti of Wild Rose: Monica leads you in a fun class to create your own painting of a beautiful sunset. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Reservations are required and may be made at https://ArtNightsDTH.eventbrite.com.
• There will be no program on November 26 (Thanksgiving Day).

Date Night and Evening Tours of the Dana-Thomas House | Fridays: October 31, November 6 and 13 ONLY

5:30-7:00 pm: 

Spend an enjoyable evening in the Dana-Thomas House. Your evening itinerary includes:

• 5:30 pm: Bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic drinks to enjoy in the house, by yourself or with a friend or partner*
• 6:00 pm: Guided Tour of the Dana-Thomas House**

*Guests have the option to pre-order snacks and drinks from Bloom Wine Bar & Florals; we’ll pick up your order and have it waiting for you at the Dana House when you arrive.  You may also choose to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy, or just spend some time contemplating your day or conversing with your friend or partner.

**Only interested in touring the house? Feel free to join us at 6:00, no need to arrive early.

***This event is open to everyone; you do not need to bring a date to participate.

Reservations are suggested and will be available soon at https://DTHFridayNights.eventbrite.com

Festive Fridays at the Dana-Thomas House | Fridays (November 20 and 27 ONLY)

Meet your guide at the front (Lawrence Avenue) door of the Dana House for a 30-minute guided walk through of the Dana-Thomas House to see this year’s holiday decorations.  Then (weather permitting) head to the courtyard firepit for s’mores, holiday tunes, and festive fun! 

Reservations are suggested and will be available soon at https://DTHFestiveFridays.eventbrite.com

Capitol Creations Art Classes | November 7, 14, 21, 28

At 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hosted by Studio on 6^th (Reservations Required at allpaintshop.com) -October classes will feature blacklight paintings. 

• Saturday, November 7: Pumpkin Latte Painting
• Saturday, November 14: Tom Turkey Painting
• Saturday, November 21: Give Thanks Painting
• Saturday, November 28: Make & Take Workshop

History Nights at the Old State Capitol | October 31, November 7, 14, 21 ONLY

5:00-7:00 PM

Explore the building on a self-guided tour and attend a 30-45 minute presentation highlighting a special person or event in Illinois history.  Presentations will be offered at 5:15 and 6:15 pm each week.

October Theme: History and Halloween - 

• October 31: Classic Horror Stories:  Join us Halloween night from 5:00-7:00 PM in the sharing and reading of classic Halloween and horror stories as we enjoy a quiet evening in the Old State Capitol. Come in a costume or your favorite cozy reading fit! Got a favorite book or poem you'd like to bring and share? Come and share them with us and we'll share some of ours! 

November Topics:

• Saturday, November 7: The Veteran Reserve Corps: Learn about a special unit in the Union army during the Civil War composed of veterans who were wounded or had medical conditions preventing them from fighting at the front lines, but who still wanted to serve however they could.
• Saturday, November 14: Lincoln and Thanksgiving: Learn about the special role Abraham Lincoln had in shaping the modern holiday of Thanksgiving and some of its traditions, including the famous pardoning of the turkey. 
• Saturday, November 21: The “other” Gettysburg Address: Many are surprised to find out that Abraham Lincoln was not the main speaker at the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery. Learn about Edward Everett and his 2-hour long speech delivered before Lincoln stood to give his “few appropriate remarks”.
  
  

More information and optional reservations available at https://historynightsosc.eventbrite.com.