Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

05/31/2026

Registration for this Thursday's "Littlest Pioneers" program is only open for 2 more days, so please don't wait! This one-day program offers children ages 5-7 the chance to enjoy age-appropriate educational and recreational activities based on a rural child's life in the mid-19th century. Activities for each program date will vary, so participants can attend more than once if desired!

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is just $5 per child, which includes a noon meal for both the child and chaperone, and supplies. Registration in advance is required. Please register online at https://tinyurl.com/2pfpzzbb

05/31/2026

THIS DAY IN LINCOLN HISTORY On May 31, 1864, in the morning, President Lincoln observes as groups of children, who are participating in the "Sunday School Celebration," parade past the White House.

A newspaper reports, "President Lincoln was cheered by the children, and he, being at one of the front windows, acknowledged the compliment with a bow.”

The photo is of the north front of The White House from the 1860s, and is one of the earliest known photos of the building. The Pierre Jean David d'Angers statue of Thomas Jefferson is on the lawn and the conservatory is on the right.

Information from www.thelincolnlog.org. Photo from the Library of Congress collection.

05/30/2026

Registration is still open for "Littlest Pioneers" next Thursday! This one-day program offers children ages 5-7 the chance to enjoy age-appropriate educational and recreational activities based on a rural child's life in the mid-19th century. Activities for each program date will vary, so participants can attend more than once if desired!

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is just $5 per child, which includes a noon meal for both the child and chaperone, and supplies. Registration in advance is required. Please register online at https://tinyurl.com/2pfpzzbb

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

THIS DAY IN LINCOLN HISTORY On May 23, 1860, Lincoln writes to George Ashmun, who presided over the Republican National Convention, and accepts the party's nomination for President of the United States.

Lincoln writes, "Imploring the assistance of Divine Providence, and with due regard to the views and feelings of all who were represented in the convention; to the rights of all the states, and territories, and people of the nation; to the inviolability of the constitution, and the perpetual union, harmony, and prosperity of all, I am most happy to co-operate for the practical success of the principles declared by the convention."

Info from www.thelincolnlog.org. Photo from Library of Congress and Wikipedia.

05/22/2026

One week from today! Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation's annual "Made in Central Illinois" fundraiser is next Friday evening. Join them for heavy hors d'oeuvres featuring locally-grown ingredients, Illinois beer and wines, live music by We Ain't Misbehavin, a silent auction with items representing Central Illinois, and tour the historic farms after-hours -- a special treat that few visitors experience! Tickets are required. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/mr###wut

Springville Family Farms 1320 Farms Hazel Anne Farm Micro Market-New Leaf Microgreens

05/21/2026

THIS DAY IN LINCOLN HISTORY On May 21, 1865, Mary Todd responds to Queen Victoria about the queen’s condolences at the death of President Lincoln.

Upon receiving a note of sympathy from Queen Victoria, Mary Lincoln wrote the following response:

“I have received the letter which Your Majesty has had the kindness to write and am deeply grateful for its expressions of tender sympathy, coming as they do from a heart which from its own Sorrow, can appreciate the intense grief I now endure. Accept, Madam, the assurances of my heartfelt thanks and believe me in the deepest sorrow, Your Majesty’s Sincere and grateful friend.”

The queen’s letter to the widowed Lincoln had been intended, of course, for publication and was not in fact a personal letter. Mrs. Lincoln, who seems to have missed this point, responded intimately, referring to the death of Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, who had died four years before and for whom the queen’s tireless mourning was well known.

Info from the White House Historical Association. You can view the letter at:

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/photos/mary-lincolns-response-to-queen-victoria