This winter, area residents have opportunities to experience the Dana-Thomas House and Old State Capitol through a wide range of evening programs. These sites are popular tourist attractions in the capital city but are also offering programming designed to appeal to locals. Justin Blandford, superintendent of state historic sites in Springfield, told Illinois Times they were looking for ways to entice people to come downtown and also visit the area’s restaurants, shops and local businesses.
“We appreciate Visit Springfield, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and Springfield’s small business owners for collaborating with IDNR to attract guests and residents downtown,” Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Natalie Phelps said in a written statement.
Game nights, date nights, art nights and evening tours will take place at the Dana-Thomas House on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. The Old State Capitol, which reopened last year after two years of major renovations, will feature short, informative programs related to the Civil War and Black history on Saturday evenings.
Blandford says the magic of being in the Dana-Thomas House is different at night. Now people have various opportunities to see this firsthand. Experience an intimate tour of the house during date nights. Enjoy playing your favorite game surrounded by spectacular art glass and the architectural features the home. Learn about painting with watercolors while immersed in a magical environment.
Ben Bedford discusses his transition from music to drawing during an evening event at the Dana-Thomas House.
PHOTOS COURTESY ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Programs began in January and are continuing through February. Holiday decorations remain in place to add to the festive experience. Earlier this month, guests tried their hand at watercolor through the tutelage of Carolyn Sommer while seated under the vaulted ceiling. Local artist Ben Bedford discussed his transition from music to drawing and his pen and ink exhibition. Others enjoyed evening tours.
Brian Bowles will present two short programs about urban wildlife at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Dana-Thomas House. Bowles became interested in photography 15 years ago. He said as a kid, he didn’t see hawks or eagles when he was on road trips, as populations had declined due to the use of DDT. Now, eagles and hawks are common – if you look. Bowles said he frequently sees bald eagles during his drives around Lake Springfield and even in the city on West Washington Street flying over Grant Middle School.
Bowles will show some of his photographs and talk about how to train your eye and pay attention to detail. He photographs all of the birds from his car, as he does not want to be disruptive.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, Dave Joens, retired director of the Illinois State Archives, will discuss his book From Slave to State Legislator: John W.E. Thomas, Illinois’ First African American Lawmaker. He will give three short presentations at 5, 5:45 and 6:30 p.m.
Check out the full schedule of events for the diverse program offerings. Registration is required for art nights and game nights and recommended for all other programs. Register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/historic-sites-evening-events-4805582.
Additional family-friendly activities downtown are being planned for Valentine’s Day weekend, including at the Kidzeum.
Art nights at the Dana-Thomas House
Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and 11, 5:30-7 p.m.
Experience free mixed-media art classes. All supplies are provided. Reservations required; limited to 25.
Game nights at the Dana-Thomas House
Wednesdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 18 and 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Bring your family, friends and favorite board game to a table in one of the mansion’s historic rooms. Reservations required as tables are limited.
Date nights at the Dana-Thomas House
Make plans for a dinner date downtown and stop in at the Dana-Thomas House before or after for a free program and evening tour. Light snacks and water provided.
Thursdays at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 – Join this rare showing of original blueprints and learn what last-minute changes were made to the house during construction.
Jan. 29 – In conjunction with an Illinois Times digital exhibition, photographer Brian Bowles will discuss his experiences photographing urban wildlife including eagles, hawks, blue herons and turkey vultures.
Feb. 5 – The influence of Japanese culture on Frank Lloyd Wright
Feb. 12 – “Loving Artifacts,” rarely seen objects related to Susan Lawrence Dana’s relationships.
Feb. 19 – Susan Lawrence Dana’s impact on equality and education
Feb. 26 – Kitchen and bath tours
Evening tours of the Dana-Thomas House
Friday Jan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Shadows and unique perspectives come out at night on evening tours.
Old State Capitol
Saturday self-guided tours with short 20-minute presentations on weekly themes at 5:00, 5:45 and 6:30 p.m.
Civil War Nights
Jan. 17 – Civil War Monuments
Jan. 24 – Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society
Jan. 31 – Preparing for Presidency
Black History Nights
Feb. 7 – Illinois’ Black Soldiers
Feb. 21 – Dave Joens discussing his book From Slave to State Legislator: John W.E. Thomas, Illinois’ First African American Lawmaker
Feb. 28 – Black History Month Highlight: Capitol Insider William Butler
