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Lincoln’s Legacy Comes Alive at 2018 IL State Fair

The life and times of Abraham Lincoln will come to life on the grounds of the Illinois State Fair now through August 19. Every day of the fair, groups and individuals from throughout the Looking for Lincoln-Abraham National Heritage Area in Illinois will present a variety of FREE living history programs and performances to share the Lincoln story with fairgoers.

Located just inside the Main Gate, the lawn in front of the Illinois Building will come alive with musical performances, blacksmithing and broom-making demonstrations from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop by for a chat and photo with President Lincoln. Visit with Harriet Tubman and learn about her adventures as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. From pioneer games to rope- and candle-making, from Civil War reenactment bands playing the music of the day to acclaimed musician Chris Vallillo playing some of Lincoln’s favorite songs, attendees can take a step back in time to experience what life was like in Lincoln’s day. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

Courtesy of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, stop by the Looking for Lincoln Area to pick up your commemorative Lincoln fan while supplies last or take your picture with President Lincoln dressed for the fair and holding a shake-up. New this year, is a scavenger hunt developed in partnership with the presidential library. The scavenger hunt encourages children to explore the Looking for Lincoln area to learn more about Abraham Lincoln’s life and times. Children who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a coupon for free admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. 

“As we celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial, Looking for Lincoln is pleased to bring history to life at the Illinois State Fair. We invite all fairgoers to join us on the lawn of the Illinois Building,” said Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is the coordinating entity for the 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. It is a partnership of organizations and individuals dedicated to enhancing the communities and landscapes of central Illinois through recognition and support of their significant natural, cultural and historical legacies. Few individuals have so profoundly influenced American history as did Abraham Lincoln. Millions around the world are inspired by the story of Lincoln’s rise from humble beginnings to President of the United States, his qualities of integrity and courage and his decisive leadership – traits that carried a fragile nation through one of its most trying periods.

For more information about the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, go to www.lookingforlincoln.com.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in Lincoln’s life and times. Visitors can see ghosts come to life on stage, watch TV coverage of the 1860 Presidential election, roam through the Lincoln White House, experience booming cannons in a Civil War battle and come face to face with priceless original Lincoln artifacts. It contains an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art.

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.