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Current News
New traveling exhibit: Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Many Illinois communities and residents were part of the courageous effort to assist freedom seekers on the underground railroad in the state. A new traveling exhibit explores this history.
Unforgettable Lincoln Days Coming Up October 4 & 5
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Unforgettable Lincoln Days runs from 3:00-6:00pm on Friday, October 4, and from noon to 9:00pm on Saturday, October 5.
Lots of Lincoln Activities at the 2023 Illinois State Fair
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Looking for Lincoln is proud to bring our 16th president to the Illinois State Fair again in 2023, along with other Lincoln-era activities on the lawn of the Illinois Building near the main gate.
Upcoming Events
The Underground Railroad in Western Illinois and Its Abolitionist Roots
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Western Illinois was an active corridor on the Underground Railroad. Author Owen Muelder will talk many Underground Railroad operators, both black and white who helped Freedom Seekers on their way north through western Illinois toward freedom in Canada. He will also discuss some of the key figures of the Abolitionist movement in Illinois.
Owen Muelder has delivered more than 300 lectures on the Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement to various groups that have included historical societies, service clubs, teachers' associations, and other organizations in Illinois and across the country. He serves as the Directof of the Galesburg Colony Underground Railroad Freedom Center at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinoi and is the author of The Underground Railroad in Western Illinois.
Regional Highlight
On August 27, 1853, Abraham Lincoln christened the new community of Lincoln Illinois with juice from a watermelon. The town was formed in 1853 when a new community was developed along the Chicago and Alton Railroad and was the first town named after Abraham Lincoln. Today you can visit the christening site marked by a watermelon statue located on the South lawn of the Historic Train Depot in downtown Lincoln, Illinois.