Looking for Lincoln Stories is a video and podcast series about the people, events, and places of Abraham Lincoln's life and times. These narratives of real-live events paint a picture of the vibrant history of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Some stories have only audio/podcasts, and others stories have an additional full video.
Freedom Seeker Jim Gray
March 20, 2024
This episode tells the story from his perspective as an enslaved man from Missouri seeking freedom. His journey to liberty brought him through Illinois, and its subsequent events became news across the nation. The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined.
This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenberg. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Marcus Rothenberg
Marcus Rothenberg is a biracial, non-binary voiceover artist based out of Springfield Illinois. They got their start in audiobooks and have since branched out to other areas such as commercials, animation, video games, ADR, and more. Marcus has done voice work for clients such as Marvel, Penguin Random House, Crunchyroll, Audible, Amazon, and more! Marcus is also on the board of directors for QueerVox, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping LGBTQIA+ voice actors, and volunteers for Voices of Color, a non-profit dedicated to helping voice actors of color. Outside of the booth, Marcus enjoys D&D, anime, painting, kayaking, hiking, making their own dice, and hanging out with their 3 dogs.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional Music and Sound by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Forever Forever Always - Francis Wells, Refined Enlightenment - Howard Harper-Barnes, Reverse - Silver Maple, The Fields at Home - Francis Wells
Suing for Freedom: The Story of Lydia Titus
February 27, 2024
Lydia was an enslaved woman who fought for her freedom in the Illinois and Missouri court systems. She gained freedom only to be kidnapped back into slavery, not once, but twice. Learn about this incredible woman, and her efforts to win and keep her freedom, for herself and her children.
This episode is narrated by Patricia James Davis. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Patricia James Davis
Patricia James Davis has been involved in local/ community theater for many years. She also does first person interpretations of historical figures. Included are Sojourner Truth; 1800’s Springfield residents Amanda Ball; Gertrude Wright Morgan, who was denied a teaching position in Springfield because of her color; and most recently Mae Hammons, the first African American teacher hired by District 186; civil war heroines Mary Elizabeth Bowser and Susan King Taylor. Patricia has appeared in industrial training videos, commercial print, television ad campaigns and two major motion pictures. Mrs. Davis holds a B.S degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, a HBCU, and a MSW degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She lives in Springfield with her husband Robert Davis. They have three adult children, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional Music and Sound by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Morning Mist - Staffan Carlén, Harvest Month -River Run Dry, Coal Miner's Reel - River Run Dry, Lucky Bird - River Run Dry
John Anderson's Fight for Freedom
December 19, 2023
This is a dramatized account of a freedom seeker who fled slavery in Missouri in search of liberty in Canada, the challenges that befell him, and his legal fight against extradition to the United States.
The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined, and incorporates details recounted by John Anderson and other sources.
This episode is narrated by: Connor Cantrall, Gus Gordon, and Reggie Guyton. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Connor Cantrall, Gus Gordon, and Reggie Guyton
Music and Sound effects by istockphoto.com/Epidemic Sound. Music: Hope's Grasp by Line Neesgaard; Sound: Crowd Gasp 2, Crowd Mob, Human Crowd Studio 27, Large Group Of Men Speaking English General, all by SFX Producer.
Dr. Richard Eells, the Trials of an Underground Railroad Conductor
November 29, 2023
Helping those fleeing slavery was illegal in Illinois, and if caught, perpetrators could be prosecuted severely. Learn Dr. Eells story in this first-person narrative, and how his tribulations connect to our politicians even today.
This episode is narrated by Joe Crain. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Joe Crain
Joe Crain is a well-known media personality in Springfield and central Illinois. After nearly 25 years either behind a radio microphone or in front of a television camera with area broadcast groups, Joe made the switch to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in 2019 to serve as the institution’s Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement.
Joe grew up in Cairo, Illinois and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He and his wife, Ann, reside in Springfield and have two grown children. In his spare time, Joe enjoys model railroading, golf, travel, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at ?https://www.dulcimerguy.com/? Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Secrets and Lies by David Celeste, Volunteer by David Celeste, Blue Brook by Clarence Reed, Under Your Wings by David Celeste. Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: ES_Door Knock 2 - SFX Producer
George Burroughs: Underground Railroad Conductor
September 18, 2023
A fascinating story of a Canadian born black man who chose to leave the safety of Canada to help freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
This narrative uses the actual words written by George Burroughs and reflects the times in which he lived. This episode is narrated by Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young
Bea Bonner got her start in radio as a multimedia consultant and co-host at Teen Talk Radio Theatre in Chicago while attending high school. She has worked for NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS since 2017 in multiple roles. She is currently the editor and co-host of the show Community Voices where she has interviewed interesting people from all walks of life. Bea also coordinates station engagement events such as the NPR Illinois This I Believe Essay Program. You can also hear Bea as a frequent guest on podcasts such as Beyond the Mouse on the Front Row Network. She has appeared in multiple UIS Theatre productions.
Bea completed the Capital Honors Scholars Program majoring in communication at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) in 2018. She received her master's in communication from UIS in 2020. She is also a member of one of the historically Black Greek Letter organizations Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.
Tony Young is an accomplished stage actor, a superb vocal artist and all around nice creative individual. He is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community and has been acting for 39 years. He has been involved in film, commercials, theater, voiceovers and been a director.
He is married, has two children and six grandchildren.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at ?https://www.dulcimerguy.com/?
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: As You Make the Bed (Instrumental Version) - Amos Noah, Awake Until Noon - Walt Adams, ES_Calming Rain - Candelion, ES_Let Me Fly - Eric Feinberg, ES_Rainy Smile - Colton Walls, ES_The Miner - Both Are Infinite.
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Boat Horn Honk 1 - SFX Producer, ES_Crowd Mob - SFX Producer, ES_Female Boots Walk 1 - SFX Producer, ES_Foreign Crowd Murmur 2 - SFX Producer, ES_Human Crowd Walla 3 - SFX Producer, ES_Mall Crowd - SFX Producer, ES_Steam Train Whistles 2 - SFX Producer, ES_Steam Whistle 8 - SFX Producer, ES_Train Chugs 2 - SFX Producer.
Springfield Soldier’s Aid Society: Women on the Homefront during the Civil War
July 27, 2023
Discover how women in Springfield, Illinois organized during the Civil War to assist the boys in blue providing food, clothing, bandages and other necessities during the war.
Narration was provided by, Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson
Joe Crain is a well-known media personality in Springfield and central Illinois. After nearly 25 years either behind a radio microphone or in front of a television camera with area broadcast groups, Joe made the switch to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in 2019 to serve as the institution’s Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement.
Joe grew up in Cairo, Illinois and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He and his wife, Ann, reside in Springfield and have two grown children. In his spare time, Joe enjoys model railroading, golf, travel, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
Vanessa Ferguson is a broadcast professional and works for NPR Illinois 91.9 WUIS. She is the producer of the show Community Voices and interviews people from all walks of life in Central Illinois. She also co-hosts the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network, where she has interviewed numerous film directors, actors, and creative people within the Walt Disney Company.
Prior to her work at NPR Illinois, Vanessa worked in performing arts administration as the Assistant Director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. She also has performed on stage at the Hoogland Center and with Capital City Improv.
Music - Epidemic Sound via ?iStock.com?: Folksong on Piano - Traditional, On The Lake by Christophe Gorman, Laura by Alan Ellis, Joyful Stories by Clarence Reed, and Ardent Desires by Clarence Reed
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
Father Augustus Tolton: the Nation’s First Black Priest
June 19, 2023
Augustus Tolton pursued the priesthood despite facing prejudice and many obstacles. Formerly enslaved, Tolton’s life was one of hardship and self-less service to humanity and God.
Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actors, Tony Young and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.
This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Tony Young and Kevin Ford
Tony Young is an accomplished stage actor, a superb vocal artist and all around nice creative individual. He is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community and has been acting for 39 years. He has been involved in film, commercials, theater, voiceovers and been a director.
He is married, has two children and six grandchildren.
Kevin Ford is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community. He provided the voice-over and onscreen professional work for the Illinois Freedom Project a project of Lincoln Home National Historical Site. He has participated in in numerous productions at the Springfield Muni Opera, Theater in the Park, the Springfield Theater Center and the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Kevin is retired and volunteers working as a tutor with the AVID program in the Springfield School District. He also serves as the Academic Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois afterschool program at Franklin Middle School.
Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actors, Tony Young and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This program was supported by Union Pacific.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: I Will Live Again - Cercles Nouvelles, Demons (Instrumental Version) - Evelynn Ray, Swept Off My Feet - Lindsey Abraham, Harlig Ar Jorden - Traditional, Harlig Ar Jorden (Organ Version) - Kurt Lyndon, Deep River - Traditional, Something Good Must Come - Sunfish Grove
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: CrowdHostages- SFX Producer, Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Laughing 9 Months Old Child - SFX Producer, Crowd Scream 5 - SFX Producer, Child Vocals 13 - SFX Producer, Train Pass By 2 - SFX Producer, Sergeant Wise - Stationary Sign, Crowd Cheer 1 - SFX Producer, Steam Whistle 8 - SFX Producer, Horse Gallop Away 2 - SFX Producer, Horse Whinny 16 - SFX Producer, Kids Cheer Light - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
The Charleston Riot: Unrest in Illinois during the Civil War
May 23, 2023
In March 1864 a riot between Copperheads and Union troops broke out in Charleston, Illinois sparking concern that this could mark the start of a large-scale uprising in the North. Discover the causes of this turmoil and what happened in its aftermath. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is narrated by: Jock Hedblade, the executive director of Unforgettable Forgottonia.
Narrator — Jock Hedblade
Jock Hedblade is the Executive Director of Visit Forgottonia in Macomb, Illinois. Jock grew up in Macomb and attended Western Illinois University. After a 35-year career as a successful national radio and television producer, the four-time Emmy award winner retired from the business and big city bustle and returned to Macomb. He feels blessed and honored for the opportunity to apply his experience and expertise to the benefit of his beloved home town.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: ES_Another Sunset - King Peaks, ES_Color the World (Instrumental Version) - Ludlow, ES_Four Years Gone By - Heath Cantu, ES_Love Tokens (Instrumental Version) - Bjurman, ES_Weapon of Choice - Fabien Tell,
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Crowd Arena Angry - SFX Producer, Crowd Scream 3 - SFX Producer, Demonstration Procession With Swedish Voices - SFX Producer, Fire Whoosh - SFX Producer, Footsteps Cement 7 - SFX Producer, Gunshot Battle 3 - SFX Producer, Gunshot Shotgun 152 - SFX Producer, Mob Riot Protest - SFX Producer, Troops Train - SFX Producer, Troops Train 5 - SFX Producer, Western Town 6 - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
Albert Cashier: An Unconventional Civil War Soldier from Illinois
April 17, 2023
In this episode, you will learn about the life of Albert Cashier, a Civil War hero with a fascinating past. Cashier fought valiantly with the 95th Illinois Infantry Regiment, and many years later the regiment would rally to Albert Cashier’s defense. Narration was provided by Meredith Vogel-Thomas. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Narrator — Meredith Vogel-Thomas
Meredith Vogel-Thomas is an Illinois native. She grew up in Belleville then moved to Jacksonville to attend Illinois College. Meredith is a performer with over 30 years of experience in both dramatic and musical theatre. She has been featured in numerous local productions at the HCFTA, Jacksonville Theater Guild, Legacy, Playhouse on The Square, Springfield Muni and TIP. In addition to appearing on stage, Meredith also enjoys working behind the scenes. She has assistant directed, stage managed and built sets for several local productions. For the past two years, she has also worked with CrossFit, Inc as a Production Team Lead on their Documentary Film Crew.
Meredith has spent the last six years working for the the Morgan County Health Department. She currently resides in Jacksonville with her wife Michelle and their rescue dog Lulu.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Bravo! - Nico Dickens, Fisherman's Cousin - Rune Dale, In the Name of Courage - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, National Anthem United Kingdom (Chamber Orchestra Version) - National Anthem Worx, The Waves - Ciaran Delany, Epidemic Sound via iStock.com
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Battle Civil War, Cannon Fire 1, Sheep Blats 20, Western Town - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
The Trial of John Hossack – Slavery on Trial in the Free State of Illinois
March 23, 2023
This is a dramatized account of John Hossack, who stood trial in 1860 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. Hossack was accused of helping an enslaved person gain his freedom in Ottawa, Illinois.
The narrative is based on court documents using the actual words spoken during the trial. Our narrator, Robert Hitt, is a fictional observer who helps bring the real-life historic characters to life.
Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo. This episode was funded inpart by a grant from the Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Narrator — David Blanchett & Company
Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo.
This episode was funded inpart by a grant from the Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Sounds Effects: istockphoto.com and Epidemic Sound
Music by Mike Anderson: McPherson’s Lament, Rosin the Beau, Soldier’s Joy, and Mississippi Sawyer. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/