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EventsThe Heritage Area has a lot of events for you to discover
UGRR ExhibitUnderground Railroad traveling exhibit
Current News
LaHood Honored as a 2025 Heritage Champion
Saturday, February 15, 2025
The Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA) honored Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) as a 2025 Heritage Champion. Rep. LaHood and three others were recognized during ANHA’s annual Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception.
Eleven Illinois Communities Receive Grants for Lincoln-Related Projects
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Eleven entities have been awarded grants from the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln. The funds are designated for creating or refreshing exhibits in museums or visitor centers, creating digital interpretive projects
Grant Opportunity for Lincoln Interpretation
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is offering a funding opportunity for up to $10,000 for eligible education and interpretive projects for organizations within the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.
Upcoming Events
Journey to Freedom - Illinois' Undeground Railroad Exhibit
Sunday, March 2, 2025 12:00 AM - Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:00 AM
Looking for Lincoln presents the travelling exhibit, Journey to Freedom Illinois’ Underground Railroad. The courageous stories of freedom seekers, and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them, are highlighted in this new exhibit about the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Learn about the network of people, who often at great risk to themselves, collaborated to assist those searching for freedom and dignity.
The Underground Railroad in Livingston County
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
A review of the Underground Railroad in Livingston County, Illinois. Program includes information about two different routes that were used in Livingston County including a map of one of the routes. Program includes the names and locations of about 15 people who were either Conductors on the Underground Railroad or were strong Abolitionists that supported the Underground Railroad.
Dale C. Maley is the President of the Livingston County Historical Society and Vice-President of the Fairbury Echoes Museum. Dale has researched and written over 350 newspaper history stories about Fairbury history and also over 25 books about various aspects of Livingston County history. Dale often gives historical presentations to civic groups in Livingston, Ford, and McLean counties.
This program will livestream on Looking for Lincoln's Facebook page and YouTube Channel. The event is FREE.
Journey to Freedom - Illinois' Undeground Railroad Exhibit
Thursday, April 10, 2025 12:00 AM - Thursday, May 29, 2025 12:00 AM
Looking for Lincoln presents the travelling exhibit, Journey to Freedom Illinois’ Underground Railroad. The courageous stories of freedom seekers, and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them, are highlighted in this new exhibit about the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Learn about the network of people, who often at great risk to themselves, collaborated to assist those searching for freedom and dignity.
Regional Highlight
On May 29, 1856 Abraham Lincoln gave the "lost speech" at the Illinois State Republican Convention in Bloomington, Illinois to a group of over 1,000 people. The speech lasted 90 minutes and so transfixed his audience that the reporters in attendance forgot to take notes. The speech addressed the need to prevent the expansion of slavery. The speech helped rejuvenate the fledgling Republican Party in Illinois.