Throughout the Midwest and in the nation’s capital, celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial at these events, dramatic productions and festivals.
By Lori Schueler

Take off your hat. Stand up and applaud. Americans and people around the world are celebrating and learning more about Abraham Lincoln, 200 years after his birth. In this bicentennial year, Lincoln programs stretch as far as Dublin, Ireland, and Oxford, England.

In Title: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg, Ill., is a reconstructed village where Lincoln spent six years of his life as a young adult. The village will hold a living history event in June. Above: Lincoln Amphitheatre within Lincoln State Park is premiering a new show about Abe this summer. Spencer County Visitors Bureau photo

While bicentennial events will happen throughout the year, spring and summer events go well with weekend road trips and family vacations. Many can be found in Illinois, while others will be in our nation’s capital. It’s a wonderful time to explore our country and one of its most influential leaders.

Lincoln in the Midwest

Listen to music composed specifically for this occasion at “A Grand Concert for Mr. Lincoln,” May 2 at Illinois College in Jacksonville. The performance will feature a piece by local composer William Camphouse, and include the Illinois College Wind Ensemble. Attend a lecture explaining the relationship among three prominent figures of the 1800s at “Duncan, Douglas and Lincoln” May 27 at Duncan Mansion in Jacksonville. Joseph Duncan was governor of Illinois, and his home is the only governor’s mansion in Illinois outside of Springfield that still stands. For more information, visit www.jvillelincoln200.com or call (800) 593-5678.

Watch an inspiring musical and glimpse into what life was like for slaves during performances of “Dessa Rose,” a story about a friendship between a pregnant runaway slave and a white woman abandoned by her husband. The tale is set during 1847 and is based on the novel of the same name. Check out the famous performance from May 15 – 17 and 22 – 24 at the Springfield Theater Company. For more information, click on www.springfieldtheater.com or call (217) 523-2787. Springfield also is rich with Lincoln-related sites to explore during a visit here, including Lincoln’s home, tomb and the outstanding Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which communicates Lincoln’s amazing life in unforgettable ways.

About 20 miles northwest of Springfield, visit the reconstructed village where Lincoln spent six years of his life as a young adult. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site will host “The Start of Something New–Abraham Lincoln’s Life at New Salem.” Walk aboard a reconstructed 1830s flatboat, which Lincoln used to travel down the Sangamon River. Discover how corn was ground into meal at the Saw and Grist Mill. Re-enactors will be in homes and stores re-creating Lincoln’s era. The event takes place 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on June 13 and 14 in Petersburg, Ill. For more information, call (217) 632-4000 or visit www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Illinois’ old state capital, Vandalia, is a popular destination for Lincoln fans. At the Old State Capitol here, Lincoln began his political career in the House of Representatives chamber. Visit the Evans Public Library to see books and photos–even a life mask from 1860 of the newly elected president–on display. Come on June 19 and 20 and be a part of the first Vandalia National Road Bluegrass Festival. The National Road generally follows U.S. Route 40 from Cumberland, Md., ending at Vandalia. For more details, call (618) 283-1152, or click on www.vandaliaillinois.com.

Eat birthday cake, ride on a trolley, browse antiques and crafts, and watch historical demonstrations during Heritage Days and Murals on Main Street, June 25–28 in Pontiac, Ill. Seventeen murals will be created, including one that features Abraham Lincoln. Click on www.pontiac.org or call (800) 835-2055 for more details.

The Danville Symphony Orchestra, in conjunction with Arts in the Park, will be performing Lincoln-related music on June 27 at the historical Lincoln Park Bandshell on North Logan Avenue in Danville, Ill. The event is free and open to the public. Call (217) 442-2096 or visit www.danvillecvb.com for details.

Witness a Civil War re-enactment, take a historic homes tour and watch fireworks over the Ohio River at the “Lincoln Bicentennial Jubilee” Aug. 5–9 at Spencer County Fairgrounds in Grandview, Ind. Lincoln lived in the county from age 7–21, and visitors can see his boyhood home and a living history farm in the area. A new bicentennial plaza will be unveiled June 12, and a world premiere of the dramatic production, “Lincoln,” will run June 12–Aug. 15 at the Lincoln Amphitheater inside Lincoln State Park. Call (888) 444-9252 or click on www.legendaryplaces.org for more information.

Also in southern Indiana, visit Henager’s Memories and Nostalgia Museum in Buckskin, which has put together one of the largest Lincoln exhibits in the state. Called “Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy,” the exhibit features more than 300 items and examines how Lincoln continues to influence the region and country. Included in the collection are a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on Lincoln’s birthday, scouting items, Civil War photos, items from towns named after Lincoln and a display that links Billy the Kid to the president. The eclectic museum, located off State Highway 57 about 20 miles north of Evansville, is a repository for thousands of nostalgic relics, toys, pop culture items and more. For instance, near the Lincoln display is an unused Grateful Dead concert ticket. The museum shows two classic movies each month and has so many that a movie won’t be repeated for 208 years. Call (812) 795-2230, or visit www.henagermuseum.com.

Lincoln Within the Nation

Keep your eyes peeled for the mobile museum dedicated to educate the public about Lincoln and his accomplishments. The “Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America” Bicentennial Tour is traveling across the country through August 2010, attending national political conventions, sporting events and schools. The 53-foot long trailer includes interactive exhibits, graphics, artifacts and “The Civil War in Four Minutes” video presentation.

In Washington, D.C., the “Lincoln in Washington Smithsonian Tour” will educate visitors about Lincoln’s career in Washington and the struggles of the Civil War. Plan a visit to Washington, D.C., during April 29–May 3 to check it out. For a complete list of the Lincoln Bicentennial events, visit the Web site www.lincolnbicentennial.gov/calendar.

As one of the nation’s most beloved and remarkable presidents, Lincoln was a humble man of high character who guided the nation through the turbulent Civil War. Take time this year to rediscover his enduring appeal and intriguing history at these events.

Lori Schueler is a contributor from Columbia, Ill.