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, September 5, 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, September 5, 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

• Tuesday, September 29, 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’s theme is Tuscan Sunflowers.  Reservation and fee required; visit https://www.bloomspringfield.com/store/p185/DANA_THOMAS_HOUSE_Flower_Arranging_Class%3A_Tuscan_Sunflowers-_Tuesday%2C_September_29th.html to reserve your place.

Old State Capitol

• NOIR 6: The Truth, Open daily during site hours: Sunday-Monday 1-5 pm, Tuesday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm, Saturday 9 am - 7 pm - Black art stands as a profound and enduring reflection of the Black experience, offering a truthful lens through which history, identity, and cultural memory are preserved and interpreted. The art in this years’ exhibit connects past struggles with present realities while envisioning more equitable futures. In museum collections and art exhibitions, these works encourage audiences to reflect on how art can both record history and actively participate in shaping it. In this way, Black art contributes to a deeper and more inclusive understanding of the American narrative. "NOIR VI: The Truth" invites audiences to engage, thoughtfully, with the histories and perspectives that shape our shared cultural truths. This year, the exhibit features: Jeff Williams, Anthony Wilson, Raven Minor, Elijah Miller, Ja Nelie Pleasure, Zach Adams, Waleed Johnson, Kamara Sade, Bri Jackson, Natalie Jackson, Thomas Mosley, Shatriya Smith, Justarrea Curry, Carol Hinton, Jawwaad Spann, Lawanda Chillis, Kristen Jurgens, Senyah Haynes, Daniel Walden, Cheryl Osby, Christian Sitilli, Austin Wells and Jaliyah Ross.

• Old State Capitol Volunteer Expo
  • Thursday, September 10 1-4 pm
  • Friday, September 11 Times TBA
  • Saturday, September 12 Times TBA

• Thursday, September 10, 5:00-6:30 PM: New Youth Volunteer Pizza Party - Join us for a high school student only pizza party to learn about new volunteer opportunites in Springfield! Sign up and hear more from volunteer program leaders on how you can earn hours for school requirements. Several non-profit organizations, historic sites, museums and more to choose to begin or enhance your volunteering journey! Enjoy complimentary pizza and bubblers and meet other teen volunteers! Make sure to sign up ahead of time as space is limited. Reservations can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-youth-volunteer-pizza-party-tickets-1997171577952?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lincoln Library

• Wednesday, September 16, 5:00 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 1989 film about a boarding school teacher who inspires his students with poetry and unconventional teaching methods. We will also have a discussion about one of Springfield’s own poets, Vachel Lindsay.  More information and film title available at https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/event/history-film-dead-poets-society-33450

Illinois State Fairgrounds

• Saturday, September 12, 2:00-8:00 PM: Route 66 Monarch Festival - Join the Illinois State Museum, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Monarch Project, and a host of community partners as we celebrate Illinois' state insect, andJoin the Illinois State Museum, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Monarch Project, and a host of community partners as we celebrate Illinois' state insect, and everyone's favorite garden visitor, the Monarch Butterfly! Enjoy FREE games, activities, giveaways, and more at this community event - rain or shine! Springfield Historic Sites staff will provide educational information about Illinois butterfly species and demonstrate how to build a butterfly house from 2:00-5:00 pm. A drawing will be held to give away free butterfly house kits to build at home. Visitors will also be treated to a FREE screening of the Disney-Pixar Movie "Cars" from 6- 8 PM. For more information, visit https://www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/events/ism-springfield-upcoming-events/2026/monarch-butterfly-festival.html

Read, Reflect, and Create Night | Mondays: September 14, 21, 28 (No program September 7, Labor Day)

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: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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: September 3, 10, 17, 24

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.

• September 3: Create a painting of a pumpkin with Monica of Wild Rose Artisans https://ArtNightsDTH.eventbrite.com
• September 10: Watercolor with Carolyn Owen Sommer https://ArtNightsDTH.eventbrite.com
• September 17: Mimi’s Terrariums https://www.mimisterrariums.com/
• September 24: Watercolor with Carolyn Owen Sommer https://ArtNightsDTH.eventbrite.com

Evening Tours of the Dana-Thomas House | Friday: September 4

5:30 and 6:30 pm:  

Enjoy an evening guided tour of the Dana-Thomas House. Reservations are suggested at https://danathomashousetours.eventbrite.com

Date Night and Evening Tours of the Dana-Thomas House | Fridays: September 11, 18, 25

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

Capitol Creations | September 5, 12, 19, 26

At 1:00-3:00 PM

Hosted by Studio on 6^th (Reservations Required at allpaintshop.com) - September classes will be sunflower themed painting projects

History Nights at the Old State Capitol | September 5, 12, 19, 26

5:00-7:00 pm: 

Explore the building on a self-guided tour and attend a short presentation highlighting a special person or event in Illinois history.  Presentations will be offered at 5:00, 5:45 and 6:30 pm each week. 

September Theme: Historic Art of the Old State Capitol - Explore nineteenth century Illinois history through the eyes of artists who were there.  Different pieces will be discussed each week - weekly themes include:

• September 5: Depictions of Lincoln
• September 12: Revolutionary Leaders: Washington and Lafayette 
• September 19: Portraits of Generals
• September 26: Downtown Springfield in Lincoln’s Day

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