Illinois

The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln

Program No. 8370RJ
Learn about Lincoln’s legacy as you explore his home and significant sites in his life and political career. Meet engaging interpreters along the way who bring history to life.

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At a Glance

Travel to Abraham Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield to learn how his life and work on the country’s frontier became part of his legacy. Visit the world-class Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and sites of pivotal events in Lincoln’s life as you study how his early life influenced the issues he addressed as President. Meet historical interpreters like Mary Todd Lincoln and Harriett Tubman who bring history to life with their engaging stories about life in the mid-19th century.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 3/4 mile in New Salem and 3-4 blocks in downtown Springfield, standing 20-40 minutes and climbing stairs.

What You'll Learn

  • Embark on field trips to Lincoln’s homes in New Salem and Springfield, where historical interpreters take you back in time to the 1830s through 1860.
  • Explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and learn about both Lincoln and the development of this world-class library and museum.
  • Visit important sites pivotal to Lincoln’s political career, like the Old State Capitol where he delivered his “House Divided” speech and the tomb where he is laid to rest.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Samuel Wheeler
Samuel Wheeler is a historian specializing in Illinois history, the American Civil War, and the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. He has served as the State Historian of Illinois and Director of Research and Collections at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Lincoln College. Dr. Wheeler is currently the Director of History Programs at the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of John Lupton
John Lupton View biography
John Lupton is the executive director and director of history programs for the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, and is responsible for the historical content of exhibits and publications, as well as solicitation of collections relating to the legal history of Illinois. He previously served as the associate director of "The Papers of Abraham Lincoln" project and was assistant editor for two award-winning publications: “The Papers of Abraham Lincoln: Legal Documents and Cases” and “The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition.” He has a B.A. from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a M.A. from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Profile Image of David Blanchette
David Blanchette View biography
David Blanchette was in charge of all media coverage for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum since its inception in 1990, and was the deputy director of the museum until May 2013. He currently does free-lance writing with a degree in journalism from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., and is a professional photographer who owns his own photography studio.
Profile Image of Kathryn Harris
Kathryn Harris View biography
Kathryn Harris, who portrays Harriet Tubman, retired as library services director at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Ill. Kathryn has appeared on stage as “Sadie Delany” in local productions of “Having Our Say” and has portrayed “Elizabeth Keckley” in “The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" in the Union Theatre at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. A native of Carbondale Illinois, Kathryn is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and the University of Illinois, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Urbana.
Profile Image of Samuel Wheeler
Samuel Wheeler View biography
Samuel Wheeler is a historian specializing in Illinois history, the American Civil War, and the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. He has served as the State Historian of Illinois and Director of Research and Collections at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Lincoln College. Dr. Wheeler is currently the Director of History Programs at the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission.
Profile Image of Kathy DeHart
Kathy DeHart View biography
Kathy DeHart has first-hand knowledge of the Lincoln homestead, having worked as a park ranger and manager for the National Park Service’s Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, for more than 30 years. Not one to sit back and relax in retirement, she enjoys sharing her expansive knowledge of Lincoln with others and is a group leader at the Lincoln Land Community College. Kathy also loves to travel, bike, play hand bells, and spend time with her grandsons, family, and friends.
Profile Image of Larry Werline
Larry Werline View biography
Larry Werline has been portraying first-person General/President Grant for 20 years. He has presented at museums, schools, libraries, reenactments, historical sites, symposiums, banquets and Civil War round tables. His favorite venue is the Illinois Old State Capitol where Grant got his start in the American Civil War. He performs there every summer as a part of Springfield’s “History Comes Alive” program along with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. His goal is to bring history to life for his audiences.
Profile Image of Pam Brown
Pam Brown View biography
Pam has spent 30 years in Springfield, Illinois, and has been active in the theater community as an actor and director. Her involvement in the production of "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened the door to a world she never imagined – presenting a woman that is almost as famous as her husband, Mary Lincoln. She has performed as Mary Lincoln in two documentaries and a live performance recorded for PBS, "The Insanity Retrial of Mary Todd Lincoln."
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