Every year the Museum of the Grand Prairie hosts a series of lectures about one of Illinois’ most famous residents, Abraham Lincoln. The focus of this year’s round of talks is “home”, and each lecture will feature an expert speaking on that topic in relation to the former president.
The first was held last weekend, but if you missed it that’s okay. There are still three more coming up in October and November. Each takes place at the museum, beginning at 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 27th
Where Lincoln Lived
Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, lived in Indiana, and finally settled in Illinois. He first came to Macon County with his family, then moved to New Salem, and finally lived in Springfield. Once he left Springfield for Washington, D.C. he never returned. Collector Kent Tucker will share pieces from his collection with the audience and talk about all the places Lincoln called home.
Sunday, November 3rd
At Home in Central Illinois: Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln
Located on the Lincoln Highway, eight miles south of Charleston, Lincoln Log Cabin preserves the site of the last home and farm of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas (ca. 1778-1851) and Sarah Bush Lincoln (1788-1869). Matthew Mittelstaedt, Site Supervisor for the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, will speak about the varied fortunes
of the Lincoln home site and Lincoln’s relationship with his parents.
Sunday, November 17th
Historic Houses of Lincoln’s Illinois
Erika Holst, curator of decorative arts and history at the Illinois State Museum, will speak about the connections Abraham Lincoln has to several historic buildings within the 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, all of which are open to the public! Each site links today’s visitors with a place Lincoln lived, a home of a Lincoln friend or colleague, or a spot that illuminates Lincoln’s era and legacy in central Illinois. Based on Erika Holst’s book of the same name, recently released by SIU Press, the author will sign books after the talk.
All events are free.
Photo from Facebook event
