Events

Returning for its 15th season, History Comes Alive transports you back to the 19th Century Springfield.  Immerse yourself in Lincoln's hometown while meeting our largest cast of historical reenactors yet.  Live performances, a varity of demonstrattions, as well special presentations of some of Lincoln's most famous speeches.  Springfield is truly a city where History Comes Alive!  Free downtown trolley service to historic sites Wed.-Sat.!

You’ll have a front row seat as Civil War battles rage all weekend long. Armies of both the Union and the Confederacy will battle it out along the shores of lovely Lake Pittsfield. Explore the encampments surrounding the battlefield for a rare glimpse into the life of the soldiers, officers, doctors and others who served on the front lines of the War Between the States. Watch as the Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery conduct their practice drills. Witness a vintage baseball game, and talk with Lincoln, Grant and Lee. Plus, enjoy a ladies’ fashion show, children’s games and crafts, and be part of a Sunday morning period church service.

The Grande Levee is a celebration of the grand receptions that took place during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors when Vandalia was the seat of Illinois state government.  Visitors can enjoyed period demonstrations, the selling of wares, an Abraham Lincoln presenter, period folk music, children's area with fun period games, and tours of the Vandalia Statehouse.  The event it free and open to the public.

Step back in time to the 1800s at the Log Cabin Village. Learn how felt hats and rugs were made, what church was like, and visit with the ladies who will be having tea. Other activities  include wool spinning, chair caning, music and games. Food will be available for purchase, and stop by the Clat Adams cabin/store to see what’s new. Frontier Day is held on Quinsippi Island, just past All America Park.

On the 165th Anniversary of the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Jonesboro will be celebrating the event at Lincoln Memorial Park. The program will include a 21-gun and cannon salute by the Long Knives Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a minute of bell-ringing to mark the occasion. Guest soloists and speakers will present an intriguing program, and essay content winners will be asked to read their entries. Children’s games, music, and food begin at 4:30 pm, with the program commencing at 09/165:30 pm. This event is a great opportunity to explore this beautiful, but often overlooked part of Illinois.

Come celebrate the arrival of autumn at the Harvest Frolic. The event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss experiencing 19th-century life on the farm. Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms and will include children’s games, crafts, hearth cooking, and activities. A number of artisans will be on site demonstrating their crafts including, spinning, pottery, broommaking, blacksmithing, embroidery, and many other 19th-century crafts.

Unforgettable Lincoln Days is a celebration of Visit Forgottonia's Unforgettable connection to our nation's most popular and enduring leader.  The event features the world's only giant Living Lincoln Topiary Monument, "selfie" opportunities with the nation's leading Abraham Lincoln interpreter, entertainment from historic singer/songwriter, and roots musician Chris Vallillo, Macomb's historic Looking for Lincoln Historic Self-Guide Tour powered by eATLAS, horse drawn trolley rides, Civil War reactors encampment, working Blacksmith, Hy-Vee's Looking for Lincoln Scavenger Hunt, a special three-story tall "Living Lincoln Mural" and as the event's centerpiece, our original play When Macomb Hosted Lincoln: Devising the Freeport Question by Dr. Tim Roberts, plus more surprises.