The history of cricket goes back to 16th century England. It later made a successful leap across the Atlantic and eventually made its way to this area by the early 1800s. For a time, it was almost as popular as baseball. Visitors to Edwards Place can try their hand at this venerable English tradition with short, informal 19th century-style cricket games led by American cricket player and historian Tom Melville. Edwards Place Historic Home will also be open for free self-guided tours. The event is part of Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau’s History Comes Alive program which runs through Aug. 10. Ongoing events at the historic home also sponsored by the program include Wednesday afternoon ice cream socials with the Lincolns and learning about the household chores with a portrayer of the home’s servant, Annie Sage, on Friday afternoons.
Early American Cricket and Open House
June 16, 11am-3pm Sat
Edwards Place Historic Home
700 N. Fourth St.
217-523-2631