Illinois Freedom Project Exhibit Comes to Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Feb. 12
LERNA, Ill. – As a part of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday celebration this year, the Illinois Freedom Project traveling exhibit opens at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County on Wednesday, February 12.
The Illinois Freedom Project is a youth focused multimedia effort which includes a website, videos, printed materials and curriculum along with a traveling exhibit. Together, these resources present the stories of freedom through the lens of the people, places, and events covering more than 200 years of Illinois history. While the exhibit is geared toward teaching older youth about the journey from slavery to freedom in Illinois, it also engages any visitor to tell the stories of those in Illinois who struggled against slavery and prejudice.
“Although we usually think of Illinois as a ‘Free State,’ this exhibit provides visitors an opportunity to learn about how entrenched the institution of slavery actually was in the 19th century and about individuals from varied backgrounds in Illinois who fought to keep it out of the state, including Governor Edward Coles, for whom Coles County is named,” said Lincoln Log Cabin Site Superintendent Matthew Mittelstaedt.
Produced by the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area and Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the exhibit will be on display in the visitor center at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site through the middle of March. Educators interested in bringing their students are encouraged to email education@lincolnlogcabin.org for additional information.
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 19th century home of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of the 16th president. While Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer living in Springfield by the time his parents moved here, his burgeoning law practice often brought him to Charleston and the farm, especially during the 1840s. Abraham Lincoln also owned a portion of the farm which he deeded back to his father and stepmother for their use during their lifetime.
The site is eight miles south of Charleston and is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.
For more information about the site and its programming call (217) 345-1845 or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org. You can also follow the site on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lincolnlogcabin.
