FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/03/2008

Area residents are invited to join Greenville in commemorating one of its most important visits in the city’s history.  September 13 marks the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln speaking in Greenville.  A special celebration has been planned for that date.

Beginning at 4 p.m., tours of locations associated with Lincoln’s visit will be provided.  Tour guides will explain the significance of each location.  Individuals can catch a ride on the tour vehicle at the Hoiles Davis Historical Museum, 318 West Winter Avenue. 

The Bond County Historical Society will serve a ham and bean supper beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the museum grounds, which will be the site for all other celebration activities.  An Abraham Lincoln impersonator will stroll the museum grounds and pose for photographs.

At 5 p.m., the 10th Illinois Volunteer Calvary Band from Springfield, IL. will perform a one-hour concert of music from the Civil War era.  The band is a recreation of the original brass band that accompanied the regiment during the Civil War.  Previous concert sites for the group have included the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln’s Tomb.

Approximately 6 p.m., a special program regarding Lincoln’s visit to Greenville will be presented with music and guest speakers.  The main address will be given by Stephen Hansen, professor in American history at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.  Hansen is noted for his writings about Lincoln.  He will speak about the political scene when Lincoln came to Greenville and why his visit is notable.

Lincoln was a candidate for the United States Senate in 1858, which led to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.  In fact, Lincoln left Greenville and debated Douglas in Jonesboro on September 14. 

There is no charge to attend the concert and special program.  Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and sit on the museum grounds.  Some chairs will be made available.  Ham and bean meals can be purchased, as the supper is a fundraiser for the Bond County Historical Society.  Complimentary peach ice cream will be served following the program.
 

CONTACT:
John Goldsmith
618-664-1581