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.

4th of July Programming:

• Tie-Dye 250: Youth ages 5-15 can celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday by creating a patriotic tie-dye shirt. Reservations Suggested (20 kids per session). Sizes Available: Child Medium, Adult Medium and Adult Large. Old State Capitol North Lawn (Law Library if needed due to weather). Two sessions available at 10:00 - 11:30 AM or 2:30 - 4:00 PM. To register your spot, sign up through Eventbrite: https://TieDye250.eventbrite.com

• Donner-Reed Party: Manifest Dreams: Learn about the Donner-Reed Party’s reasons for leaving for Springfield, their dreams for the future and what they hoped to accomplish on their journey west. No reservations needed. Old State Capitol North Lawn (Supreme Court if needed due to weather). 12:00 - 1:00 PM. If you would like to register for this event, sign up through Eventbrite: https://ManifestDreamsOSC.eventbrite.com

• July 4^th Family Day at the Old State Capitol:
  • Make-and-take Art projects: America 250 art kits available while supplies last. Coloring Sheets and Eagle Finger puppet crafts available. 
  • Capitol Creations Make & Take/Take & Make Projects: 1:00-3:00 PM, offered by Studio on Sixth (no reservations needed, this will just be a walk-up and purchase a project from the choices available event). 
  • History Comes Alive:
    • Lincoln Troubadours at 11:30, 3:30
    • Lincoln LIVE: 
      • Noon: Gettysburg Address
      • 3:30: House Divided Speech
  • Living History Night
    • 5:30: Custodian of Freedom: William H. Butler’s Story
    • 6:30: Frederick Douglass, Abolitionist & Orator
• Dana-Thomas House Specialty Tours:
  • July 4, 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
  • July 4, 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

Illinois Governor's Mansion:

• July 16 and 23, 5:00-6:30 PM: Pre-Levitt Mansion Guided Walk Through - Are you attending the Levitt AMP free concert series on July 16th or July 23rd? The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, located steps from the Y block and Levitt stage, will open its doors before the music begins for 30-minute tours of the first two levels. Guests will enjoy elegantly appointed rooms where contemporary design meets Illinois history at every turn, and finish the tour with a stunning view of the rose garden. All tours are guide-led. To reserve a spot, sign up through Eventbrite.

• July 15, 1:00-3:00 PM: Illinois Governor’s Mansion Volunteer Recruitment Open House - Come join the fun and learn how to begin your volunteer journey at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion! We are looking for volunteer interpretive guides and special events helpers to assist us at one of the oldest and largest executive mansions in the United States. Our volunteers excel in providing excellent tours and hospitality to our guests from all around the globe. Learn more during a brief introduction to our program from Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren Gleason. Meet the Governor’s Mansion staff and current volunteers to hear about why the love their work and service at the People’s House. Receive a tour of the site and discover the fascinating history within its walls! Reservations must be made in advance to attend with limited availability. So reserve your spot today! For more information and how to reserve click here.

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).

Dana-Thomas House

Old State Capitol

• Open Friday, June 12: NOIR 6: The Truth - Curated by Austin Wells and co-curated by Jaliyah Ross, this years’ exhibit connects past struggles with present realities while envisioning more equitable futures. These works encourage audiences to reflect on how art can both record history and actively participate in shaping it. NOIR VI: The Truth invites audiences to engage, thoughtfully, with the histories and perspectives that shape our shared cultural TRUTHS.

• Saturday, July 18, 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

• Saturday, July 18, 6:00 pm: Film on the Lawn - We have partnered with the Kidzeum to host an outdoor showing of Cars on the lawn of the OSC on July 18th. The preshow begins at 5:30 with the moving following at 6:00. This event is currently sold out. More info at https://kidzeum.org/events/route-66-kidzeum-birthday-celebration-presented-by-horace-mann/

Lincoln Tomb

• Saturday, July 18, 1:00-1:45 pm: Katie Hall Lincoln Floral Remembrance Ceremony - Katie Hall Foundation will host a program to remember Lincoln for ending legalized slavery in the United States, and other acts of courage.  Program will include singing, reading of Lincoln’s speeches, and placing floral arrangements at the tomb. Open to the public.

Read, Reflect, and Create Night | Mondays:

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:

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: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

At 5:30-7:30 PM

This month we will offer a number of art nights in partnership with Studio on 6th. For more information on each event and to sign up, follow the links here: https://www.allpaintshop.com/

Date Night at the Dana-Thomas House | Fridays:

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

Capitol Creations | Saturdays: July 11, 18, 25

At 1:00-3:00 PM

Create something special in our historic space, guided by our partners at Studio on 6^th, the Original Art Co-Op. Each week will offer a different art creation experience. To sign up, as reservations are required, follow the link here: https://www.allpaintshop.com/

Living History Nights | Saturdays from June 6 - August 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