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 - 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.
