ILLINOIS STORIES
Now — August 31, 2010
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Museum admission required

"How Vast and How Varied a Field..." The Agricultural Vision of Abraham Lincoln. Come immerse yourself in Lincoln's story...and so much more! Beginning Summer 2009, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the heart of the Lincoln legacy, introduces "Illinois Stories," our latest exhibit exploring the complex history of one of the most influential states in the US. Leading up to the bicentennial of Illinois statehood in 2018, Illinois Stories will take an in depth look at the history of the great state that Lincoln called home. The show opened June 15, 2009 and runs through August 31, 2010. Exhibits and artifacts on display will include:

The very first John Deere tractor -the only complete, working "Dain" model in the world!

Farmer's "tools of the trade" both before and after the revolution in agricultural technology.

Projected map showing evolving agricultural themes upon the landscape

Listening stations where you can hear stories of what it was truly like to live in the 1800's - and learn how good we have it today!

 

"THE FLAMES CAUGHT US" CHERRY MINE 1909
Now — March 31, 2010
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library - Atrium
Free to the public

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library will open a major exhibit "The Flames Caught Us" Cherry Mine 1909 on November 1, 2009 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cherry Mine Disaster. On November 13, 1909, a fire broke out at the St. Paul Coal mine in Cherry, Illinois that claimed the lives of 259 men and boys. The exhibit will be free to the public running through March 31, 2010 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

 

MARCH 

BOOK DISCUSSION WITH BEST-SELLING AUTHOR
Seth Grahame-Smith - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
March 6, 2010, 7:00 pm
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum - Union Theater
Tickets are free but reservations are required

For tickets call 217-558-8934

The Great Emancipator, Honest Abe, Our 16th President, the Railsplitter… and Vampire Hunter.

Seth Grahame-Smith will appear at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Illinois as one of the first stops on the release tour for his new book, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The new book follows on the heels of Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which reached number three on the New York Times Bestseller List in 2009.

It follows the formula Grahame-Smith used in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, weaving accurate historical detail and classical literature with tales of the undead. The result is an entertaining and educational blend of history and fantasy that should bring the Lincoln story to an entirely new audience.

Copies of Grahame-Smith's books may be purchased that evening and in advance at the Presidential Museum Gift Shop.

Read what author Seth Grahame-Smith says...
Author Summary Listen Now
Watch the Live Webcast

 

MAY 

THE STORY OF HARNESS RACING by Currier & Ives
May 1, 2010 — August 31, 2010
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

An Opportunity to Share the Sport of Harness Racing with the People

The pristine collection of 35 framed original Currier & Ives lithographs includes studies of great trotting horses, mid-19th century scenes and comedic adventures that convey a picturesque part of Americana prior to the advent and development of photography. The exhibit is on loan from The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library will complement the exhibit with items from its own collections reflecting the rich history of Illinois's horse and racing industry. Among the items to be displayed are the 1836 rules and members of the Petersburg, Illinois Jockey Club, a group that used the race track surveyed by Abraham Lincoln.

 

JULY 

SUNSET IN SPRINGFIELD CONCERT SERIES
FEATURING STILL KICK'N
July 16, 2010 - 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum - Union Square Park
Ticketing Information will be available at a later date

Still Kick'n will be the first band in our new Sunset in Springfield Concert Series, sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum along with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

Still Kick'n offers original and cover music hits with a blend of new and modern country sound.

Still Kick'n brings an unprecedented energy to their live show, yet they remain true to their country roots. They are a local favorite but have shared the Big Stage with well known artists such as: Montgomery Gentry, Joe Diffie, Rhett Akins, Brian McComas, David Alan Coe and Neil McCoy.

 

TEAM OF RIVALS
Lincoln's Cabinet at the Crossroads of War
October 14, 2010 — August 15, 2011
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

A Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibition

Commemorate the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial with a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for its one-of-a-kind temporary exhibition.

What is it like to be President… when faced with a decision for war?

This exhibition takes you inside the highest levels of the United States government as Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet struggle with the momentous issue of war. Restricted to the information they possessed at the time, you will confront the perplexities and options they faced during the first weeks of Lincoln's presidency - and decide for yourself if they made the right choices…

Following the approach so skillfully employed by Doris Kearns Goodwin in her critically acclaimed book Team of Rivals, the exhibition uses the experiences of Lincoln's closest advisors to illuminate Lincoln's leadership. A combination of compelling artifacts, images, and audio/visual presentations introduces you to the powerful personalities who advised the President and brings to life those fateful days when a divided nation teetered on the brink… then toppled into the dark abyss of civil war…