Prairie State Wire

The Old State Capitol and Dana-Thomas House in downtown Springfield will offer a range of History Comes Alive activities for families during spring break from March 16 to March 28. These events include meeting Abraham Lincoln, constructing Lincoln's log cabin, engaging in Civil War interactive learning, and participating in historical art, crafts, and games.

These historic sites are collaborating with Visit Springfield and other local venues for the event. The Old State Capitol is located at 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, while the Dana-Thomas House is situated at 301 E. Lawrence Ave.

The schedule of events at the Old State Capitol includes various activities throughout the week:

- Sundays (March 16, 23, 30): Civil War Activity Zone focusing on war weapons at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

- Mondays (March 17, 24): Sessions on Civil War medicine at the same times.

- Tuesdays (March 18, 25): Log cabin construction with "Abe" at 12:30 p.m., a session called "Meet a Boy in Blue" from the Civil War Activity Zone at both afternoon slots, and Lincoln Live featuring Abraham Lincoln's "House Divided" speech at 1:30 p.m.

- Wednesdays (March 19, 26) follow Tuesday’s schedule.

- Thursdays (March 20, 27) mirror earlier weekdays but add historical arts and games with the Springfield Art Association starting at 2 p.m.

- Fridays (March 21,28): Include letters from war sessions plus arts and games.

- Saturdays (March 22,29): Highlight ladies' roles in Soldiers' Aid Society alongside other repeated events.

At Dana-Thomas House:

- Sundays (March16,23,and30) offer family-friendly arts and crafts beginning at10a.m.

- On Friday March28,a Macaroni Soup Party startsat10:30a.m

-Saturdays(March22and29)again focus on artsandcraftsfrom10a .m

More information about these Springfield state historic sites can be found online.