Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Special Events at New Salem

Join us all year long for a variety of special events and demonstrations -- All held in the historic village of Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site.

Join in the Tradition...

...and Escape to the Past. New Salem offers several opportunities for the visitor to be active at our historic

site. The New Salem Lincoln League is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the village by sponsoring special events, craft demonstrations, and raising funds necessary to assure the continual care and preservation of this piece of the Heart of America. We offer a large volunteer program, where interested people can work in the village, at the visitor's center, or one of our stores and become an active member of our site operation. People interested in becoming a part of either of these groups should contact the site and request application material. We look forward to getting to know you!

April 17 & 18, 2010 - "Attack on the Prairie": There has been an attack on the northern prairies by Black Hawk and a band of Sauk-Fox Indians. The Governor of Illinois has called out the Militia asking for volunteers. The date is April 1832 and the men from New Salem will be mustering into service. Drill demonstrations, musket firing will take place in the village. Hours: 10am - 4pm each day
May 1, 2010 - Antique Farm Show: Plowing demonstrations will be held at New Salem using draft horse teams and antique farm equipment. Hours : 9am-4pm. Weather permitting.
June 12 & 13, 2010 - New Salem - Realizing the Dream: Come join the New Salem villagers as they demonstrate the traditional trades, crafts and domestic skills of the 19th century that have been kept alive at New Salem. The reconstructed village of New Salem, which is visited by thousands annually, was originally envisioned by a group that called themselves “The Old Salem Lincoln League”. Come join us in learning the struggles, joys, heartaches and accomplishments of these dedicated individuals who refused to let the six years Abraham Lincoln resided here to be lost to the history books. The reconstruction of New Salem is a continual process that is still being carried out to this day, but it was the dream of a select few so many years ago that has made it the reality that so many have come appreciate today! Hours: 9am – 5pm.
June 26 & 27, 2010 - "May She Rest in Peace": The ladies of New Salem prepare for a sober event, the funeral of one of their neighbors. Elizabeth Herndon was accidentally shot by her husband while living in New Salem. Visitors can see how food was prepared by the village women and pay their last respects during a wake throughout each morning with a re-enacted memorial service at 2pm each day
July 4, 2010 - Independence Day Celebration: Come join the residents of New Salem and celebrate the birth of our nation with period music, games, speeches and hymns. Bring a blanket and experience an 1830's style of family fun. Hours: 10am - 2pm
August 7, 2010 - Morgan Horse Demonstration: The Mississippi Valley Morgan Horse Club will present a daylong exhibit and demonstration of the many uses of Morgan Horses. Demonstrations at 10:30am, 1pm, and 3pm.
September 11 & 12, 2010 - 30th Annual Traditional Music Festival: 19th Century music and dancing will occur throughout the pioneer village of New Salem. Hours: 10am – 5pm, each day.
October 1 & 2, 2010 - Candlelight Tour: Bring the family and experience New Salem after dark. Interpreters will welcome you into the reconstructed log homes of the village where Lincoln lived for six years. Hours: 7pm – 9pm each evening.

New Salem is constantly offering special lecture series, weekend workshops and other chances for the public to learn more about New Salem and the 1830's culture as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the public's relationship with our site. If you are interested in more information about our special events, volunteer programs, the New Salem Lincoln League or the Discovery Series, please contact us at 217/632-4000 and we will be happy to answer your questions. All Special Events are free and open to the public.