SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site will host two programs exploring Illinois history through food traditions and American folk music in April.
Historian and musician Bucky Halker will present a musical program focused on the life and songs of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The program blends live guitar and vocal performances with historical commentary about Guthrie’s life and the social issues reflected in his music and includes audience singalong songs.
On Saturday, April 25, chef and educator Lori Parrett will present “The Frosted Republic,” a program examining Illinois’ role in shaping American cake and dessert traditions. Using slides, vintage imagery and edible artifacts, Parrett will trace connections from early decorating classes by Wilton Brands to the influence of Duncan Hines and the Sara Lee bakery of Downers Grove. The presentation will begin at 10 a.m., highlighting how cake decorating reflects migration, ingenuity and celebration in American culture.
The presentations, through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, align with the theme “We the People” promoted by the Illinois America 250 Commission. The commission’s work focuses on how people from diverse backgrounds have helped shape the nation’s history.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, a gateway site for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 1840s home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The site is located about eight miles south of Charleston and 14 miles southeast of Mattoon.
The events are produced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation.
For more information about these or other events, call 217-345-1845, email info@lincolnlogcabin.org or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org.
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