150th anniversary Lincoln election events Nov. 6

[October 21, 2010]  SPRINGFIELD -- The 150th anniversary of arguably the most important presidential election in American history will be observed with several public events on Nov. 6 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield. The day will feature a lunch with Lincoln, a question-and-answer session with the anxious candidate, historical re-enactors, a band concert and an election night victory parade that will follow the candidate to his home to deliver the news to his wife: "We are elected!"

The day's events will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Abraham and Mary Lincoln presenting a program called "Nobody Ever Expected Me..." in the Lincoln Home Visitor Center. During this program visitors will learn what the possibility of being elected means to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln. Fritz Klein, portraying Abraham Lincoln, and Pam Brown, portraying Mary Lincoln, will answer audience questions about what they were thinking about on Election Day in 1860. The program is free and open to the public.

Telegraph updates of the 1860 election returns will be announced throughout the day at the Lincoln Home and Old State Capitol, and families will receive simple plans for making their own telegraph set at home. Visitors may cast ballots for the 1860 presidential election at both locations.

A lunch with Lincoln and Gov. Yates will be offered at noon in the basement of the Old State Capitol. The fee is $10 per person to cover the cost of lunch, and since the room capacity is 60, advance reservations are required by calling the Tinsley Dry Goods Gift Shop at 217-525-1825. The program, "What if Lincoln wins?" will feature Klein portraying candidate Lincoln and Flynn Hanners portraying Richard Yates, the Illinois governor. The two will have a dramatic conversation about the looming Civil War, pondering the decisions that may lie ahead for them during the next few years. The presentation helps set the stage for the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War next year.

At 1 p.m. presidential candidate Lincoln will take questions from the news media and the general public about the campaign, the direction in which the country is heading, and the threat of Southern secession and even war that seems to be on everyone's mind. This program, which will be in Representative Hall at the Old State Capitol, is free and open to the public.

From 2 to 3 p.m., the Lincoln Home National Historic Site will host "Showdown in Springfield: An 1860 Presidential Debate" in the Lincoln Home Visitor Center. Representatives of the four major presidential candidates will debate the hot-button issues of the day, such as slavery and "bleeding Kansas." The event is free and open to the public.

The 144th Army National Guard Band will present its annual veterans tribute concert with the Old State Capitol Chorale at 4 p.m. in Representative Hall at the Old State Capitol. Patriotic instrumental and vocal music from the mid-1800s will be performed. Many American historic events occurred with the support of a military musical unit.

Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, colonial soldiers marched to the music of fifes and drums. During the Civil War, military leaders on both sides relied on military musicians to entertain troops, position troops in battle, and stir the troops on to victory. The concert is free and open to the public.

The popular "Mystic Chords of Memory," featuring Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln, will be presented at 5 p.m. at the Old State Capitol. In this engaging program, Lincoln offers a preview of his upcoming inaugural address. The program is free and open to the public.

At 5:45 p.m. the public is invited to join Lincoln at the south steps of the Old State Capitol as he begins his walk to the Lincoln Home to deliver the news of his election to Mary. The public can parade alongside Lincoln, living history interpreters and Lincoln supporters holding campaign banners. The torchlight parade will be an inspirational sight as it offers visitors an opportunity to imagine the anticipation Lincoln felt as he made his way home to share the election news with his wife.

Once at the Lincoln Home, Abraham and Mary will present a short talk and welcome visitors to tour their candlelit home until 7 p.m. From 6:15 to 7 p.m. visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments as they listen to period music in the Lincoln Home Visitor Center.

On Election Day, Nov. 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln spent many anxious moments at his State House office in Springfield, awaiting election results that would determine not only his future, but the nation's. The nervous excitement grew throughout the day, as results from other states were reported at the telegraph office, culminating in news late in the evening that New York had gone for Lincoln. The thrill of Lincoln's election to the highest office was tempered with news that the president-elect was being burned in effigy in some parts of the nation. A feeling of celebration dominated the streets of Springfield, however, as Lincoln ran home shouting, "Mary, Mary, we are elected!"

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, served as Abraham Lincoln's 1860 presidential campaign headquarters. It was the seat of Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. The site is open for free public tours.

The Lincoln Home Visitor Center is at 426 S. Seventh St. in Springfield.

Anyone wishing to obtain further information about these programs or other programs at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site should call 217-391-3221 or visit www.nps.gov/liho.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]