Summer Programs

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proud to partner with others in the community to offer a variety of ways for you to experience history in the summer months. Below are the programs for 2024. We hope to see you there!

Walk, Hike and Bike History - May 31 - November 9

IDNR's State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out our popular Walk, Hike and Bike History programs, returning again in 2024. 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. Programs offered for the 2024 season include:

Reservations, which will be required, can be made on the IDNR website. All experiences are free and donations are appreciated. Program descriptions, schedule and reservation information available at https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/promotions/walk-hike-bike-and-history.html

Lincoln Tomb Porch Talks - May 31 - November 9

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. Program titles for 2024 include:

Restoration of the Lincoln Tomb: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM each day
Where's Robert? Wednesdays, 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM
Lincoln Across Borders: Thursdays, 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM; Fridays, 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM
The Dear Rascals: Fridays, 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM; Sundays, 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM
Lincoln & Grant: Saturdays, 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM

Programs are free and open to all ages; no reservations are necessary. A full schedule and program descriptions are available at https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/promotions/lincoln-tomb-porch-talks.html

History Comes Alive - May 31 - August 4

The State Historic Sites at Springfield are excited to be a part of the 15th season of History Comes Alive. Programs are offered throughout the city, with our staff and volunteers offering these opportunities:

Tuesdays, 6:00 pm - Civil War Band Concerts at Lincoln Tomb
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - Lincoln Tomb Flag Ceremony (see below)
Wednesdays, 12:30 pm - Stories of Freedom in Illinois, Lincoln Home Visitor Center
Thursdays, 2:30 pm - Meet a Boy in Blue, Adams Street Plaza
Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 pm - Date Night at Dana-Thomas House

Reservations are recommended for Dana-Thomas House programs and can be made by clicking the program title. Other programs do not require reservations. More information about History Comes Alive and a full schedule of all activities is available on the Visit Springfield website at https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/HistoryComesAlive.aspx

Lincoln Tomb Flag Ceremony - June 4 - August 27

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.

NOIR IV: Landmarks Art Exhibition - June 15 - September 2

In collaboration with the Illinois State Museum and Juneteenth, Inc., the Dana-Thomas House will host NOIR IV: Landmarks, an exhibition celebrating Black art and culture. The exhibition, co-curated by Alyssa Farmer and Austin Wells, will be open from June 15-Labor Day weekend.

The Dana-Thomas House will host NOIR Community Days on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 to noon, and on Friday evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm as opportunities for people to visit the Dana-Thomas House and freely explore the NOIR exhibition without the obligation to reserve space on a guided tour. Children's activities will be offered on Wednesday and Saturday mornings; family activities in the courtyard will be offered on Friday evenings.