Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is set to offer a series of free history walks and porch talks at Springfield historic sites this summer. The initiative, titled "Walk, Hike and Bike History," aims to engage participants with history while promoting outdoor activities. Porch talks will be held at the Lincoln Tomb and Dana-Thomas House until November 9.

"IDNR is excited to offer this opportunity for people to get outdoors this summer and learn more about history in Springfield," stated IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. "These unique tours will remind participants of the past while promoting healthy activity."

All tours are complimentary, though reservations are encouraged via Eventbrite. Additional information can be obtained from the Springfield historic sites website or by calling 217-524-3971.

The events include various experiences such as:

At the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site:

- "Everyone Belongs: The Mary Lawrence Story" explores Mary Lawrence's contributions to the community every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

- "The Architect, the Artist, and the Client" delves into Frank Lloyd Wright's first blank-check commission every Thursday at 1 p.m.

- "Inspired Stories of Illinois Black Women" discusses significant figures in civil rights on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.

At Lincoln Tomb:

- A "Black History Walk" occurs Wednesdays at 10 a.m., highlighting Springfield's Black community history.

- Discussions on "Why is the Emancipation Proclamation Important?" take place Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

- Talks on "The Lincoln Legacy" happen Thursdays and Sundays at 11 a.m.

- "Lincoln's Life in Statues" examines Abraham Lincoln through statues on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

At Old State Capitol:

- An Architecture Walking Tour runs Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., focusing on notable buildings in downtown Springfield.

- The "1908 Race Riot Walking Tour" takes place Fridays at 9:30 a.m., covering historical events over a one-hour walk.

At Lincoln Home Visitor Center:

- An Underground Railroad Walk is scheduled for Fridays at both 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., exploring significant locations tied to freedom efforts.

- The tour titled “Abolitionists to Suffragists: Amazing Illinois Women Walking Tour” begins Fridays at 2 p.m., concluding with an optional visit to Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site.

In its centennial year, IDNR continues its mission of conservation across approximately 400 sites statewide, including parks, historic locations, wildlife management areas, Lake Michigan water allocation, conservation policing, mines management, oil resources oversight, licensing services, grant issuance processes as well as operating facilities like the World Shooting Complex in Sparta alongside managing Illinois State Museum operations.

For further details about IDNR’s initiatives or other related inquiries visit https://dnr.illinois.gov.