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Springfield Historic Sites Programming and Special Events
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.
Three Hot Days in August: The Springfield 1908 Race Riot
- August 13, 14, 15 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday): 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour, 9:30 AM - Walk downtown Springfield streets with a guide and learn about the weekend in August 1908 when violent mobs terrorized Springfield’s African-American citizens. We will share stories not only of hatred and devastation but of courage and resilience in the face of concerted attack. Tour leaders will present difficult history truthfully but with sensitivity; time is allowed for questions and conversation. This urban walking tour requires a little over one hour of walking and standing. The 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour is offered in conjunction with Springfield's three-day citywide commemoration, Three Hot Days in August. Meet at Lincoln statues on Adams Plaza (at Sixth Street). Eventbrite Reservations (optional): https://August1908WalkingTour.eventbrite.com. For more information on this citywide "Three Hot Days in August" commemoration, visit https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/attend/1908.
Dana-Thomas House
- April - September 2026: High School Floral Arrangement Initiative - Starting April 18, area high school students are mentored by volunteers from the Springfield Civic Garden Club and create décor to be displayed from April through September in the Dana-Thomas House. Our building and grounds team is also coordinating with the volunteer office to recruit area high school to start seeds for annuals to be used in planters at the historic sites.
- Saturdays August 1 and 8 ONLY: Art Glass into Tie Dye, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Youth ages 5-15 and their parents/guardians are invited to join us for this new program to learn about the colors and designs found in the Dana-Thomas House. After taking a short tour through the house to explore Frank Lloyd Wright's art glass designs, your guide will lead you to the courtyard where youth will choose their favorite art glass colors and tie dye their own "Everyone Belongs" shirt! All supplies and instructions will be provided. Available shirt sizes include children's medium, adult small and adult medium. Parents/guardians must stay with their child during the program. Please note, adults may help their child with the tie-dye project as needed, but adults will not be making their own shirts. Please meet your guide at the front door of the house on Lawrence Avenue at 10:30 am to begin your Dana-Thomas House adventure! Set aside 2 hours to be sure you can enjoy the full experience. Reservations suggested at https://DTHArtGlass2TieDye.eventbrite.com.
- Zoo Booth at the Dana-Thomas House - Staff from Henson Robinson Zoo will bring education animals and activities to the Dana House Courtyard. All are welcome; no reservations necessary. Note: In case of inclement weather, this program will be held at the Old State Capitol
- Saturday, August 8 (10am- 1pm) at DTH Courtyard (Rain date info- OSC 10am- 1pm)
- Monday, August 24 (10am- 1pm) at DTH Courtyard (Rain date info- OSC 12pm- 3pm)
- Saturday, August 29 (10am- 1pm) at DTH Courtyard (Rain date info- OSC 10am- 1pm)
- Saturday, August 1, 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, August 1, 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
- Wednesday, August 19: Volunteer Open House 1:00-3:00 PM - Looking to volunteer at our State Historic Sites in Springfield? Join us for an open house at the Dana-Thomas House and learn more about our volunteer opportunities. More information coming soon.
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.
- Saturday, August 29, 3:00-4:30 pm: Gathering of the Bookalos - Want to carve out time to read but don't want the pressure to finish and discuss a specific book? Want to learn what others are reading and low-key socialize? It sounds to us like you may be a Bookalo. The Gathering of the Bookalos is an off-site BYOBook Silent Book Club. There is no assigned reading, you just bring whatever book in whatever format you'd like and read it quietly alongside others who are doing the same thing. That's it. It's a time dedicated to quiet reading, learning about what others are reading, and hanging with folks out in the community, and, this summer, we are partnering with the folks at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) State Historic Sites Springfield, to gather in various beautiful and important spaces around town. Reservations Required and can be found here: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/event/gathering-bookalos-springfield-historic-sites-edition-35946
Weekly Programs
Dana-Thomas House
Read, Reflect, and Create Night | Mondays: August 3, 10, 17, 24
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: August 5, 12, 19, 26
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: August 6, 13, 20, 27
At 5:30-7:30 PM
More information on August programs coming soon.
Date Night at the Dana-Thomas House | Friday: August 7
At 5:30-7:30 PM
Tour the Dana House with your friend, date or partner. Enjoy light refreshments and a special film presentation during your visit. Reservations are required and are available at https://DateNightatDTH.eventbrite.com
Evening Tours of the Dana-Thomas House | Friday: August 14, 21, 28
5:30 and 6:30 pm:
Enjoy an evening guided tour of the Dana-Thomas House. Reservations can be made through Eventrbrite here.
Old State Capitol
Capitol Creations |
At 1:00-3:00 PM
Hosted by Studio on 6th (Reservations Required at allpaintshop.com) - August Info Coming Soon
Living History Nights | Saturday: August 1 and 8
At 5:00-7:00 PM
Explore the building on a self-guided tour and participate in two living history programs. More information and optional reservations available at https://historynightsosc.eventbrite.com
- 5:30 PM: Custodian of Freedom: William Butler’s Capitol Tour
- 6:00 PM: Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist & Orator visits Springfield
History Nights at the Old State Capitol | August 15, 22, 29
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. More information and optional reservations available at https://historynightsosc.eventbrite.com.
Lincoln Tomb
Flag Lowering Ceremony | Tuesdays: August 4,11, 18, 25
At 7:00 PM
Reenactors of the 114th Illinois Infantry Regiment will provide a ceremony to honor President Lincoln and lower the flag that flies over the tomb. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and/or blankets to watch the ceremony and enter the drawing for a chance to receive the flag that has flown over the tomb the previous week. Free and open to all ages. Please note, this ceremony will include loud noises, including gunfire and possibly a small mortar.
Upper Deck Tours at Lincoln Tomb | Wednesdays: August 5, 12, 19, 26
At 5:30-7:30 PM:
Experience a rare, after-hours tour of the Lincoln Tomb’s upper deck. Get a closer look at the ornate exterior sculptures and hear the stories behind the monument’s design and symbolism. The presentation about the sculptures and tomb history will also be offered in an accessible area for those unable to climb the stairs to the upper level of the tomb. Tours offered at 5:00, 6:00, and 6:45 pm. On August 5 ONLY, the Liberty Brass Trio will perform at 5:30 pm. Suggested Reservations will be available through Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lincoln-tomb-images-and-insights-tour-tickets-1989878402869?aff=oddtdtcreator.
History Comes Alive - June 4 - August 8
The State Historic Sites at Springfield are excited to be a part of the 16th season of History Comes Alive. Programs are offered throughout the city, with our staff and volunteers. Stay tuned for future History Comes Alive programming at our sites. More information about History Comes Alive is available on the Visit Springfield website at https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/HistoryComesAlive.aspx
Note: These are the programs held at our sites only; these programs may also be offered at other locations and days/times as well.
- Peaches & Bacon (Fiddle & Banjo Duo) - Old State Capitol: Tuesdays, 1:00 pm, Wednesdays 1:00 pm
- Civil War Tunes with Corporal Andy - Old State Capitol: Actor and musician Andy VanDeVoort sings songs, demonstrates instruments, and tells stories of the Civil War. Tuesdays, 2:00-2:30 pm
- America’s Story in Song: Appalachian Music - Old State Capitol: Discover the rich traditions of Appalachian music and is influence on American history. Wednesdays, 11-11:30 am, Thursdays, 11-11:30 am (No program June 11)
- Lincoln Troubadours (Vocal Acapella Group) - Old State Capitol:
- Wednesdays: 11:30 am, 3:30 pm
- Thursdays: 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
- Fridays: 11:30 am, 3:00 pm
- Saturdays: 11:30 am, 2:00 pm
- LINCOLN LIVE - Old State Capitol:
- House Divided Speech - Wednesdays: 12:00 pm, Saturdays: 3:40 pm
- Emancipation Proclamation - Fridays: 12:00 pm
- Gettysburg Address - Saturdays: 12:00 pm
- Instruments of the Civil War with Mike Anderson - Old State Capitol: Wednesdays: 12:30-1:00pm, Thursdays: 12:30-1:30 pm (No program June 11)
- Abe’s 19th Century Toy Making Workshop - Old State Capitol: Wednesdays: 1:00-1:30 pm, Saturdays: 1:00-1:30 pm
- Revolutionary Songs with Mike Anderson - Old State Capitol: Wednesdays: 1:30 pm
- One Amazing Week: John Jones & the Fight for Equality - Old State Capitol: Step into 1865 as John Jones leads the charge to repeal Illinois’ oppressive Black Laws. Wednesdays: 2:00 pm
- Harriet Tubman: In Her Own Voice - Old State Capitol: Ask questions and interact through a conversational experience with one of America’s most courageous leaders. Thursdays: 1:00-3:00 pm
- Burr Oak String Band - Old State Capitol: Old Time, Raggy Blues, Bluegrass & Folk. Thursdays: 1:30-1:50 pm
- Lincoln on Trial with William Herndon - Old State Capitol: Interactive exploration of some of the most important trials in Lincoln’s career as told by his law partner. Thursdays: 1:30 pm
- America’s Story in Song: Modern Folk - Old State Capitol: Mike Anderson shares the evolution of modern folk through the music of Peter, Paul & Mary. Wednesdays: 2:30 pm, Thursdays: 2:30 pm (No program June 11)
- Ulysses S. Grant - Old State Capitol:
- Ulysses S. Grant and Ending the War - Fridays: 10:30 am, 2:30 pm
- Ulysses Grant’s Traveling Trunk - Fridays: 12:30 pm
- Centennial President 1876: Ulysses Grant - Fridays: 1:30 pm
- Clash of Titans: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates - Old State Capitol: Fridays: 1:00-1:40 pm
- Meet the Soldier’s Aid Society - Old State Capitol: Get a hands-on look at how local women supported Union soldiers during the Civil War, from gathering supplies to caring for troops passing through Springfield. Fridays (June 12 and 26 ONLY): 1:00-4:00 pm
- Celebrating His 200th Birthday: General John A. Logan - Old State Capitol: Fridays: 2:00-2:30 pm
