Exploring Lincoln

09/14/2025

Everyone is invited to join in remembering the tragic events that occurred 24 years ago, and to salute the heroes that still stand among us today, during the Ride to Remember 9-11 memorial event on Sunday, September 14th. 🇺🇸

Lineup for parade begins at Hall's Harley-Davidson Inc. at 9 AM, police escorted procession leaves at 10:30 AM nd ceremony begins upon arrival at the IL State Capital Grounds.

Learn more about the event on our website 👉https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/EventDetails/?id=36582

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum is offering free admission for all first responders on Sept. 11th, in recognition of the important work they do. If you are a first responder you will simply just need to present an employer ID. Thank you for all you do! 👏

09/09/2025

often expressed the belief that people should not obsess over past mistakes or feuds. What they learned from the error and what they did next was more important.

Source: https://ow.ly/jXGF50Wo5Wk

07/07/2025

From our partners in Danville, Illinois:

On Sunday, July 6th, the Lamon House, with connections to Abraham Lincoln, will be open from 1:30 to 4:00 PM! There is no cost to tour the home, but donations are appreciated.

The Lamon House is a Greek Revival Cottage built in 1850 by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon. The Lamon House is believed to be the oldest frame house in the Danville Area. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard.

Melissa was the daughter of Dan Beckwith, who Danville was named for. The home originally stood near downtown Danville on North Street, but was moved to its present location in Lincoln Park and was completely restored in the early 1980s.

The house is open the first Sunday of the month from 1:30 to 4:30 (May thru October) or by appointment.

Learn more about visiting Danville, it's great museum and sites, and it's Lincoln history at:
https://vermilioncountymuseum.org/

07/05/2025

07/05/2025

in 1865 – July 5 – Justice began to take shape following one of the darkest chapters in American history.

Just months after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, a military tribunal convicted eight conspirators – seven men and one woman – for their roles in the plot. They had worked with John Wilkes Booth, who fatally shot Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865.

That same day, President Andrew Johnson signed an executive order upholding the convictions. Four conspirators were sentenced to hang, including Mary Surratt—the first woman executed by the U.S. government. The remaining four received life sentences, though all but one, who died in prison, were later pardoned.

07/05/2025

07/05/2025

07/05/2025

“The slave songs represented things to be forgotten… We finally grew willing to sing them privately. We practiced softly… But the demand of the public changed this. Soon the land rang with our slave songs.” Ella Sheppard, 1871 (Musician with the Fisk Jubilee Singers)

What started as an ambitious fundraising idea has influenced music for over a century. The Fisk Jubilee Singers were brought together in 1871 by their school treasurer and musical director George White to raise money for the struggling Fisk University. Fisk was founded in 1866 in Nashville, Tennessee to teach formerly enslaved people. Nearly all of the singers in the original group were formerly enslaved people. The group started off by singing ballads and patriotic anthems, but they didn’t gain notoriety until they added spirituals into their concerts.

They popularized songs such as “Motherless Child,” “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” and “This Little Light of Mine.” By singing these songs around the world they preserved the spirituals that influenced music from Reconstruction to present day, all while raising thousands of dollars for their school. The Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to sing at Fisk University today learn more about the first group on: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/explore-virtual-ugrr.htm

IMAGE: LOC

07/05/2025

Planning a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park? Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses!

Today is , and we're highlighting the importance of these stylish but critical accessories. Here’s why sunglasses are so essential in the park:

😎 Intense sunlight: with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the sun can be exceptionally strong in Dry Tortugas National Park. Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, keeping you safe as you soak up the sun.

😎 Brightness protection: whether you're snorkeling or exploring Fort Jefferson, the bright sun reflecting off the water can be overwhelming. Polarized sunglasses minimize glare, making it easier to enjoy the stunning underwater sights!

😎 Style meets function: who doesn’t want to look cool while protecting their eyes? With a variety of styles, you can stay fashionable while enjoying your outdoor adventures!

Don’t forget your sunglasses on your next trip to this breathtaking paradise! 🕶️

Image: NPS/Brandon Cintron Gerena

07/05/2025

One week from today, the tradition continues! Saturday, July 5th at 11am Frederick Douglass’ most famous speech will be brought to life on the front porch of his beloved home, Cedar Hill. The forecast seems like we probably won't have this much snow!

07/05/2025

We’ve heard of birds that can’t fly, but what about a bird that can’t walk?

Meet the Magnificent Frigatebird! Found throughout the Gulf of America and the Caribbean, these fascinating seabirds can often be spotted soaring above the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park. With their long, pterodactyl-like wings and massive forked tail, these birds are built for flying. Good thing, too, because their small legs and feet make walking practically impossible. They also lack waterproof feathers, so swimming is off the table. But don’t feel bad for the frigatebird. They’ve got this flying thing down!

Magnificent Frigatebirds are masters of gliding. Able to soar for hours using only a few beats of their wings, they can fly over the ocean for days without landing. They feed from the air, swooping in to sn**ch up fish swimming near the surface or chasing after other birds to force them to regurgitate their last meal, which the frigatebird then grabs midair. When they do decide to take a break from flying, those tiny feet contain strong toes that are great for perching on trees, boat masts, and other convenient surfaces. So, while these birds will not be winning a foot race anytime soon, they have everything they need to survive and thrive in their watery habitat, like the one found around Dry Tortugas!

Have you seen frigatebirds during your visits? Share your memories with us in the comments! If you want to learn more about the avian species in the park, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/drto/learn/nature/birds.htm.

NPS Photo