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 2025. We hope to see you there!

Walk, Hike and Bike History - June 4 - 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 2025. 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 2025 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 - June 4 - 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 2025 include:

Restoration of the Lincoln Tomb: Thursdays and Sundays, 2:00 PM
Why is the Emancipation Proclamation Important?: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2:00 PM
Lincoln Across Borders: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1:00 PM
The Lincoln Legacy: Thursdays and Sundays, 11:00 AM
Lincoln's Life in Statues: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:00 AM

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 - June 6 - August 9

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 offering these opportunities:

Historic Grounds at the Old State Capitol - June 6 to August 9 - Tuesdays: 9:00 AM. The Old State Capitol, which was the setting for Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 House Divided Speech and the 1865 ratification of the 13th Amendment by the Illinois legislature, remains an important and relevant museum today. Join a staff member from the IL Dept of Natural Resources for coffee and conversation highlighting the recent Old State Capitol preservation project.
Clash of the Titans at the Old State Capitol: June 6 to August 9, Fridays 1:00 PM. Dive into the profound historical significance of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Through a compelling reenactment and third person reflection on the steps of the Old State Capitol, gain insight into the pivotal clash of ideologies that shaped the nation’s trajectory during a critical juncture in American history.
Journey to Freedom at the Old State Capitol: June 6 to August 9, Fridays 2:00 PM. The courageous stories of freedom seekers, and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them, are highlighted in this new exhibit about the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Learn about the network of people, who often at great risk to themselves, collaborated to assist those searching for freedom and dignity. Exhibit open daily Tue-Sat, with this special program taking place on Fridays only!
Date Night at Dana-Thomas House: June 6 to August 9, Saturdays 5:30 -7:00 PM. Step into the elegance of yesteryear for an EXCLUSIVE event. Nestled amidst lush gardens and steeped in history, this Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece invites you and a loved one to an evening that includes an exclusive tour, some delectable bites, and a delightful signature “Dana-Thomas” mocktail. Reservations on Eventbrite required.
Music of the Illinois Freedom Road at the Old State Capitol: June 20 & July 18 · 2:00 PM. Award winning folk musician and folklorist Chris Vallillo brings the music and the stories of the underground railroad in Illinois to life in this engaging and powerful show featuring first person accounts of freedom seekers as well as performances and insights into the music that drove this historic movement.

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

Weekly Musical Programs at the Old State Capitol - June 6 to August 9

Tuesdays, 2:00 PM, Peaches & Bacon (Fiddle & Banjo Duo)
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM, Noon, & 1:00 PM, Musical Instruments of the Civil War. 2:00 PM Peaches & Bacon (Fiddle & Banjo Duo)
Thursdays, 12:30 PM, Ben Bedford Concert Sings 19th Century America. 1:00 PM Burr Oak String Band (Old Time, Raggy Blues, Bluegrass, & Folk)
Fridays, 10:00 AM Campfire Tales: Lincoln’s America through Stories & Song. 11:00 AM & Noon, Musical Instruments of the Civil War

Lincoln Tomb Flag Ceremony - June 6 - August 9

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 - June 4 - November 9

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.

Everyone Belongs: The Mary Lawrence Story ( Wednesdays 2:30-3:00 PM): While helping her husband build a career, a family, and a fortune, Mary Lawrence worked to bring the Springfield community together. Learn about this original owner of the Dana-Thomas House, Springfield Soldier's Aid Society member, philanthropist, and expert crafter.
The Architect, the Artist, and the Client (Thursdays and Sundays 1-1:30 PM): The Dana-Thomas House resulted from a collaboration between an architect, an artist, and a client who each brought their own vision to the project. Hear the stories of the creatives behind Frank Lloyd Wright's first "blank check" commission and how they each helped shape the impressive home.
Inspired Stories of Illinois Black Women (Thursdays 2:30-3:00 PM): In 1913, a reception was hosted at the Dana-Thomas House for the Illinois Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. This porch talk will discuss the amazing women who were part of that organization and how they worked together to build stronger communities and advocate for civil rights across the state, inspiring the Lawrence/Dana family and many others.