Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: January 5, 2009	Contact: David Blanchette (217) 558-8970 Kay Smith (217) 558-9025
	Strike up the band 1860s Period Ball on Lincoln's Birthday features authentic music, instruments, dancing and fashions from the Civil War era Springfield, IL — Antique instruments, 140-year-old music, Civil War era fashions and the cutting of Abraham Lincoln's birthday cake will combine for what might be the best birthday celebration of the year during the Lincoln's Birthday 1860s Period Ball scheduled for Thursday, February 12 starting at 6 p.m. in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois. The event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations must be made by calling (217) 558-8934. The 25 musicians from the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Band from Springfield, under the direction of Capt. Todd Cranson, will provide the mid-1800s dance tunes for the occasion. They will use authentic musical instruments from the Civil War era to produce music as soldiers and civilians might have heard it long ago. The band's antique instruments are smaller and lighter than their modern brass counterparts, and they produce a distinctively different sound. Cranson will conduct with a baton used by the leader of the Second Iowa Cavalry Band that performed for President Lincoln. Dance mistress Deborah Hyland of St. Louis will teach the dance steps to those unfamiliar with the waltzes, reels, minuets and other dances of the era. President and Mrs. Lincoln are expected to be among the dignitaries in attendance, and will preside over the ceremonial cutting of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday cake. A special cake will be created for the occasion by The Eli's Cheesecake Company, Chicago. The band and a good number of participants will appear in full 1860s attire, including Civil War dress uniforms and hoop skirts. Authentic 19th century attire, while encouraged, is not required for guests. Punch, coffee and birthday cake will be served. Performances of the Presidential Museum's acclaimed show "Ghosts of the Library" will also be offered in AT&T Holavision Theater during the Period Ball. Both exhibit journeys highlighting Lincoln's life will be open for tours as well. "It's worthwhile to note that the music associated with the Civil War era, from 'Dixie' to 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,' was originally performed on these antique instruments, so guests at the Period Ball will be able to hear these tunes as they were intended for public performances in the mid 1800s," said Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Chair Marilyn Kushak. The Period Ball is sponsored by the Commission and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The original 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Band was formed in September 1861 at Camp Butler near Springfield and was mustered out of service in November 1865. It was common for regiments to have their own bands during the Civil War to keep pace for marching, boost morale and play for special events. The Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is working closely with numerous organizations, tourism agencies and institutions to organize events and programming for the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The commission is also partnering with local communities on their bicentennial plans. Visitwww.lincoln200.net. ###