Vandalia Statehouse offers music, refreshment and history on Feb. 11
VANDALIA, Ill. – Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday Feb. 11 with refreshments, music and a look at his in-laws who sided with the South during the Civil War.
The free party, a tradition at the site since 1973, runs 1-3 p.m.
Local historian Dale Timmerman will lead visitors in songs such as “America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Kevin Kaegy from the Bond County Historical Society will deliver a presentation on Lincoln’s relatives by marriage who supported the Confederacy. Several of Mary Lincoln’s brothers served in the Confederate army, and Lincoln’s critics used their status to attack the president.
Vandalia Statehouse is the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois. It served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839.
It is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.
For more information, visit www.illinoishistory.gov.
