|
 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 where they lived
happily until leaving for Washington.
The free tour will be offered every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m.
through Aug. 7. 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.
[to top of second column] |
The tours usually fill up quickly, so reservations are strongly
encouraged. Visit
www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov and click on “special event
reservations.”
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.
For more information, visit
www. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.
[Shanta Thoele] |
