Agencies
Services
Summer Programs
Walk, Hike and Bike History
IDNR's State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out our popular Walk, Hike and Bike History programs. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences that connect you to "must-see" museums and monuments in the capital city. Guided by history education interpreters from IDNR's Office of Land Management, Walk, Hike and Bike History experiences range in duration from one to two hours. For current offerings and availability please contact us at dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
Lincoln Tomb Porch Talks
The Lincoln Tomb was formally dedicated on October 15, 1874, 150-years ago. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will present “Porch Talks” on the grounds of the Residence at the Lincoln Tomb providing 20-30 minute programs about lesser-known facts surrounding the monument. For current offerings and availability please contact us at dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
History Comes Alive - June - August
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
Lincoln Tomb Flag Ceremony - June - August
Each Tuesday evening in June, July, and August, join us at the Lincoln Tomb for a Flag Ceremony presented by the Civil War reenactors of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Reactivated). 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Tomb, so we have some extra special experiences for this year. Arrive at 5:45 to meet General Ulysses S. Grant and hear some Civil War-era music performed by a live band. Check in with the volunteers of the Soldier's Aid Society for entry into the drawing to receive the flag that has flown over the Lincoln Tomb the previous week. At 7:00, reenactors will perform drills in front of the Tomb to honor the memory of President Lincoln, then lower the flag flying over the Lincoln Tomb and present it to someone in the audience to take home.
The program is free and open to the public; bringing lawn chairs or blankets is recommended. Those sensitive to loud noises should note that the ceremony does include firing of rifles and possibly a small mortar.
Dana Thomas House Porch Talks
Porch Talks at the Dana-Thomas House are hosted on the porches of the historic home. Programs are free and open to all ages; no reservations are necessary. Please check back for future programming.
Special Events
Programming at our sites is always changing and we offer one-time events throughout the year. Here are some of the special events happening soon at our sites.
Dana Thomas House
Art Nights | Feb. 4, 11
at 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Experience a free mixed media art classes. All supplies are provided. Eventbrite reservations required as seats are limited. Class details on Eventbrite.
Game Nights | Jan. 21, 28 / Feb. 18, 25
at 5:30 p.m.
Bring your family, friends and favorite board game to a table in one of the mansion’s historic rooms. Eventbrite reservations required as tables are limited.
Date Nights | Jan. 22, 29 / Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Make plans for a dinner date downtown and stop in at the Dana-Thomas House before or after for a free program and evening tour. Light snacks and water provided. Reservations can be made through Eventbrite.
- Jan. 22 - Join this rare showing of original blueprints and learn what last-minute changes were made to the house during construction.
- Jan. 29 - In conjunction with an Illinois Times digital exhibition, photographer Brian Bowles will discuss his experiences photographing urban wildlife including eagles, hawks, blue herons, and turkey vultures.
- Feb. 5 – The Influence of Japanese Culture on Frank Lloyd Wright
- Feb. 12 – Loving Artifacts – See rarely seen objects related to Susan Lawrence Dana’s relationships.
- Feb. 19 – Susan Lawrence Dana’s Impact on Equality and Education
- Feb. 26 – Kitchen and Bath Tours
Evening Tours | Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 / Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Shadows and unique perspectives come out at night on our evening tours. Sign up on Eventbrite.
Old State Capitol
Civil War Saturday Nights | Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 / Feb. 7, 21, 28
at 5:00 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Old State Capitol will be open for self-guided tours with short 20-minute presentations on weekly themes at the designated times.
- Jan. 17 – Civil War Monuments
- Jan. 24 – Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society
- Jan. 31 – Preparing for Presidency
Black History Nights
Feb. 7, 21, 28
- Feb. 7 – Illinois’ Black Soldiers
- Feb. 21 – Dave Joens discussing his book From Slave to State Legislator: John W. E. Thomas, Illinois' First African American Lawmaker
- Feb. 28 - Black History Month Highlight - Capitol Insider William Butler
