Prairie State Wire

Illinois state historic sites in Springfield are set to host a range of events in February to honor Black History Month. These activities include hikes, talks, tours, and films. The events are free, open to the public, and do not require reservations. They are organized in collaboration with several institutions including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois State Museum.

The Illinois State Museum will present two programs at its Research and Collections Center titled "Black Lives in Springfield." The first part focuses on work and home life and will take place on February 20 at 6 p.m., while the second part, which covers military service, is scheduled for February 26 at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn about Black residents' lives around the early 1900s through artifacts from an archaeological dig.

Lincoln Library will screen "Langston Hughes and Vachel Lindsay," a short film by local producer Rich Saal. Screenings will occur on February 21 and February 28 at noon, with an additional session on February 24 at 6:30 p.m. Each showing includes a question-and-answer session with interpreters from the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site.

Additionally, two types of tours are available: the 1908 Race Riot Walking Tours starting from Lincoln statues downtown on February 22 and February 28; and Black History Cemetery Hikes beginning at Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site on March 1 and March 2.