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Current News
LaSalle Co. and Pontiac Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Tour LaSalle and Livingston County’s most notable Lincoln sites and attractions, answer questions and snap photos for this family-friendly scavenger hunt. Complete challenges at all 15 sites you’ll earn a Challenge Coin!
State Police join Abraham Lincoln on the Big Slide
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
On Sunday, August 15, five Illinois State Police troopers joined Abraham Lincoln as they hit the bright yellow slopes of the Illinois State Fair Giant Slide. The officers offered an excellent security detail as they proceeded down the iconic slide.
Dept of Interior waives entrance fees on Aug 4
Friday, July 30, 2021
Interior Department Celebrates Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary with Fee Free Day on Public Lands by waiving entrance fees on Aug 4.
Upcoming Events
Illinois Freedom Project Decatur
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 12:00 AM
“The Illinois Freedom Project” will be displayed at the Decatur Public Library Septmeber 1, 2021-October 1, 2021.
The Illinois Freedom Project exhibit highlights the inspiring stories from the Past to Inform and Empower People to Create a Better Future, a total of 12 panels that tell the story of the struggle for freedom. The exhibit is sponsored by the National Park Service, Illinois Department of the Natural Resources, and Looking for Lincoln. Visit the library's website for their operating hours https://www.decaturlibrary.org/.
Apple 'N Pork Festival
Saturday, September 25, 2021 9:00 AM
The Apple ‘n Pork Festival is a celebration of the Lincoln era and features 19th century craftsman and artisans, old-fashioned foods (ham & beans prepared in kettles over woodfires, hams smoked on the grounds, gingerbread cookies, etc. – you won’t see a corndog or fried pickle here), Civil War history interpreters, tomahawk throwing, pony rides, meal grinding and blacksmithing demonstrations, interactive ropemaking for kids, and more. The centerpiece of the festival is the Victorian mansion which was once the home of C.H. Moore who had many ties to Abraham Lincoln. The connections between Lincoln and Moore are presented to all who tour the home. The museum also displays numerous Lincoln-related artifacts.
The Road to the Emancipation Proclamation
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 7:00 PM
Join us on September 29, 2021 at 7 pm as Erin Mast shares the events that brought Abraham Lincoln to live with his family at the Soldiers’ Home and the “behind-the-scenes” events that took place there leading to Lincoln issuing the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Ms. Erin Carlson Mast joined the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation as its President & CEO in January 2021. Prior to serving as the Foundation’s leader, Mast was the CEO & Executive Director of President Lincoln’s Cottage, a National Monument in Washington, DC.
This program will livestream on Looking for Lincoln's Facebook page and YouTube Channel. https://www.facebook.com/LookingforLincoln, or https://www.youtube.com/user/LookingforLincoln
The event is FREE. Please do not click on any links that take you to pay page. Our free Facebook events will never ask you for a credit card. If you have trouble finding the event, check the main news feed on the Facebook page, and do not click on links in the comments.
Regional Highlight
The Lincoln Depot or Great Western Depot is the place where Abraham Lincoln left Springfield as President elect en route to D.C. On the morning of Feb 11, 1861 Lincoln said his final goodbyes to friends and supporters at the depot before boarding the train. At 8 am Lincoln gave an impromptu speech to a crowd of over 1000 people who had gathered to see him off. You can visit the first floor of the Lincoln depot which offers a self-guided tour.