Starting Saturday, history will come alive downtown at the Old State Capitol for spring break with a variety of family-friendly activities and presentations. On Saturday, participants can learn about toy making and crafts in the 19th century, hear the Gettysburg Address, enjoy live music by duo Peaches & Bacon and more. Different activities will be added next week including “Tales as Tall as Lincoln” with Brian “Fox” Ellis, a recital of Lincoln’s House Divided speech and a visit by heroic Civil War nurse Mary Ann Bickerdyke. All programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Presented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For more info, email DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov or call 217-524-3971. A full schedule can be found on dnr.illinois.gov.
History Comes Alive Spring Break
Afternoons, March 21, 24-28, 31
Old State Capitol
This article appears in March 19-25, 2026.
