Looking for Lincoln

Lincoln Home National Historic Site is pleased to present this annual lecture series in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Together, Lincoln Home NHS and “Looking for Lincoln” present stories that focus on the central Illinois communities that Lincoln impacted or that impacted Lincoln.

This year’s program will feature the little known story of Julius Rosenwald, one of the most important and socially impactful sons of Springfield, Illinois. Rosenwald spent his boyhood years in a home on Eighth Street across from Lincoln’s home. The house is now part of Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The man who grew up in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln became the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, eventually amassing a fortune, most of which he dedicated to helping those who faced the injustices of a racially divided America.

The home in which Rosenwald lived will be renamed in his honor and a new exhibit panel about Rosenwald in Springfield and his legacy will be unveiled. Remarks will be presented by Kathryn Harris, Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and Abraham Lincoln Association; Mike Jackson, Springfield Rosenwald Initiative; Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese, Springfield Rosenwald Initiative; Nancy Sage, Jewish Federation of Springfield; and, Dorothy Canter, Rosenwald Park Campaign. The newly renamed Rosenwald House will be briefly open following the remarks.

Anyone wishing to obtain further information regarding the George L. Painter Looking for Lincoln Lectures is welcome to contact Lincoln Home National Historic Site at 217-391-3221.