Civil War Saturdays at the Old State Capitol

We're excited to bring you a new series of Civil War education programs at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Stop by the Old State Capitol any time between 5:00-7:00 pm on the Saturdays indicated below to participate in Civil War history learning activities provided by our interpreters. Specific activities will vary week to week, but may include discussions with interpretive staff, interpreters in historic clothing, historic photography, props, artifacts, and/or hands-on activities.

This program is free and open to all ages; reservations are optional.

The current schedule includes:

Saturday, December 6: Life of a Soldier

Come see costumed interpreters in Civil War uniform talk about daily life of the solider during the Civil War. Talks will include Civil War Medicine, Soldiering, daily life and entertainment available to the soldiers.

Saturday, December 13: Fredricksburg

On the 163rd anniversary of the battle, interpreters will be in uniform discussing the events leading up to and the days surrounding the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Saturday, December 20: Civil War Christmas

Thomas Nast introduced the modern image of Santa in 1863 while visiting troops. Come in to learn how soldiers survived the winters, celebrated with friends and how they communicated with family back home. (Kids can write their own letter to Santa).

Saturday, December 27: Sherman's Christmas Gift to Lincoln

161 years after General Sherman's infamous letter gifting Savannah to Lincoln, we will discuss the ending of the war. Beginning with the March to the Sea to the surrender of Appomattox Courthouse, interpreters will be in uniform discussing the end of the war.

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Host or Publisher Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Sites Springfield