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 The “Abe and Mary: Quite Contrary” walking tour takes
visitors through downtown Springfield, past the spots where a rough
young lawyer and a Southern belle fell for one another, where they
broke up but reunited and married, and where they lived happily
until leaving for Washington.
The free tour will be offered every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
in June, July and August. It covers 1.5 miles and takes about an
hour. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring water and dress
appropriately for the weather, which can be quite hot.
The tour begins at the presidential museum (212 N. Sixth Street),
where you are encouraged – but not required – to visit the section
about Lincoln’s life before the presidency. The tour ends at the
First Presbyterian Church (Seventh Street and Capitol Avenue), but
guests are welcome to accompany the guides back to the museum.
“It really is striking just how contrary Abraham and Mary were on so
many levels – their educations, upbringings, temperaments. At the
same time, they complemented each other so well that they were able
to achieve the impossible,” said one of the guides, Jenifer
Brownell.
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The tours usually fill up by the morning, so advance reservations
are strongly encouraged. Visit
www.president
lincoln.illinois.gov.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 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.
Learn more at
www.PresidentLincoln@illinois.gov
[Christopher Wills] |
