New Salem to offer candlelight tours

[September 20, 2008]  PETERSBURG -- Candle lanterns will light the way along the paths, while candles and firelight warm and brighten the log homes during the annual candlelight tours at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. Scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4 from 7 to 9 p.m., the event is free and open to the public.

The candlelight tours, sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the New Salem Lincoln League, offer the only opportunity to see the village after dark. The tours will be canceled only if it is pouring rain.

Staff and volunteers in period clothing will be inside the log homes in the village to talk to visitors about life in 19th-century Illinois. A covered wagon and camp will be set up by people portraying pioneers who are passing through the village on their way west. The New Salem Militia will set up camp to explain militia life in the 1830s.

Live music in the village will be provided by the Prairie Aires and the Sacred Harp Shape Note Singers. There will also be musicians performing on traditional musical instruments such as harps and dulcimers.

Hot mulled cider and gingerbread will be served at no charge in the Rutledge Tavern.

The Museum Store, operated by the New Salem Lincoln League, will be open, as well as the visitor center and the New Salem Traditional Exhibit.

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is located two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield on Route 97. Tours are free, although a donation of $4 for adults, $2 for children and $10 per family is suggested.

[Text copied from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]