More reasons to visit Presidential Library and museum in February
Lincoln Presidential Library offers free day, special events, rare documents throughout February

 

[February 02, 2016]  SPRINGFIELD – February brings an array of special events and family-friendly activities to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, including free admission on Lincoln’s birthday.

The month ends with the closing of “Undying Words: Lincoln 1858-1865,” the ALPLM’s groundbreaking exhibit on Lincoln’s greatest speeches and documents.

The museum will throw its doors open on Feb. 12 and waive the usual admission of $15 for adults and $6 for children.

We’ll celebrate the president’s birthday by displaying a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address, educating children about the jobs Lincoln held before reaching the White House and presenting a concert of Civil War-era music. Historic interpreters portraying people such as Mary Lincoln will chat with visitors and answer questions.

“We’re thrilled that the public will be able to join our celebration at no cost,” said Nadine J. O’Leary, acting executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We want everyone to get a chance to learn about the nation’s greatest president and be inspired by his example.”

Lincoln’s birthday isn’t the only big event next month.

The “Civil War Tech” program continues Feb. 6 with a look at ironclad ships like the Monitor and the Merrimac. The free, one-hour event will teach children ages 8-12 about both science and history. Participants even get to build their own “ships” and put them to the test.

The 10th of every month is Family Day at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids can make a Lincoln top hat and other presidential crafts to take home. Museum admission required.

On Feb. 12, in addition to all the other birthday activities, the winning entries in our annual children’s art contest will go on display. They will adorn the walls of the museum’s entry-way for the rest of the year.

Hockey comes to the library on Feb. 14. Players on the Springfield Jr. Blues will greet visitors, sign autographs and pose for pictures from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’ll also demonstrate hockey skills, read to children and more. Anyone who attends the event receives a discounted admission to the museum – just $10 for your entire family or group.

From hockey to ballet. The Springfield Ballet Company visits the museum on Feb. 16 for the annual “Leap into Lincoln” event. The performers will demonstrate the many styles of dance popular in Lincoln’s day. School groups can attend for free, but reservations are required.

For free reservations for these events, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

Finally, the once-in-a-lifetime “Undying Words” closes Feb. 28.

The exhibit examines the impact and context of Lincoln’s most famous words, from his “House Divided” speech to the comments on Reconstruction that triggered John Wilkes Booth’s deadly attack. Visitors see documents written by Lincoln, weapons used by soldiers and shoes worn by slaves. They also see a carriage the Lincolns used in Washington and the bed where the president died.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.

The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history. The museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.

For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

[Shanta Thoele, Communications and Public Affairs, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]