For Immediate Release
New way for children to enjoy history
SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum introduces a new educational program called “If Objects Talked” in February, which is also the last month of free admission for school groups until summer.
“If Objects Talked” features the presidential library’s experts showing rare artifacts and explaining their significance. For instance, a session devoted to Abraham Lincoln’s children will include Tad’s toy cannon, an invitation to Willie’s birthday party and material from Robert’s time as a student at Harvard.
The series kicks off Feb. 21 with objects related to presidents visiting Illinois. Sessions on presidential inaugurations and the Lincoln children follow on March 6 and March 20. After a break during the summer months, “If Objects Talked” resumes with a look at presidential elections on Oct. 17 and Gettysburg on Nov. 7.
“It’s important to offer children different ways to engage with history. Some enjoy talking to living history interpreters, while others benefit from films or interactive exhibits,” said Genevieve Kaplan, education director at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We think hearing the stories behind rare items from our collection will be another great way to spark their imaginations.”
To register for the free program, schools can email ALPLM.education@Illinois.gov or call 217-558-8844.
School groups can visit the presidential library at no cost in February. After that, during the busy field-trip season, the cost is $4 per student. Free admission for school groups resumes in June.
To schedule a visit for a group of 15 or more, go to www.VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com and click “group tours.” Smaller student groups should contact Tonya Lacy at 217-558-8939 or tonya.lacy@illinois.gov.
February includes the debut of a new exhibition: “American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times,” a collection of amazing photographs from the life of President Kennedy. The exhibit opens Feb. 15 and runs through May 19.
The month also includes Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, on Feb. 12. Admission is free that day for everyone. That’s also when winners of the statewide children’s art contest will be announced.
The presidential library and museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can see ghosts come to life on stage, watch TV coverage of the 1860 presidential election, roam through the Lincoln White House, experience booming cannons in a Civil War battle and come face to face with priceless original Lincoln artifacts.
The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
