Donner-Reed Party: Manifest Dreams

The Donner-Reed Party left Springfield, Illinois for California in 1846. This program will discuss the group's reasons for leaving Springfield, their dreams for the future and what they hoped to accomplish on their journey west.

This program is family-friendly and open to all ages; reservations are optional. The program will focus on the party's journeys through Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska.

This program is one of several opportunities available during our July 4th Family Day at the Old State Capitol. See our full lineup of events at https://bit.ly/4cHufYb

Parking

Street parking is available adjacent to and near the site. Street parking is free on Saturdays.

About the Site

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is located between Fifth and Sixth Streets and Washington and Adams Streets in downtown Springfield, Illinois. It is a reconstruction of the building that served as Illinois' State Capitol from 1840-1876. During the time this location served as the Capitol, Abraham Lincoln delivered his "House Divided" speech here, and state legislators met here in 1865 to make Illinois the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Civic leaders including Frances Harper, Frederick Douglass and John Jones visited the building to advocate for the expansion of freedom and civil rights to all Americans. Today the building serves as a State Historic Site, while also hosting community gatherings and cultural festivals throughout the year.