• Decatur’s First Photographers

    Rock Springs Nature Center 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, United States

    Event details Several professional photographers briefly stopped in or called Decatur their home in the years before and during the Civil War. Learn about their history as we discover our first local photographers, find evidence of their time in Decatur, and view some of their surviving work. Event requirements Free. No registration required.

  • Mr. Shoaff: Lincoln’s Relative and Decatur’s Most Colorful Newspaper Man

    Rock Springs Nature Center 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, United States

    One of the best-known newspaper editors in Civil War era Illinois spent most of his career in Decatur, but today is largely unknown. Related by marriage to Abraham Lincoln, this colorful and controversial character both made the news and reported on it. Historian and author Dr. Robert Sampson explores how and why James Shoaff and his newspapers always brought readers back for more. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park. Free. No registration required.

  • Oglesby Mansion Open House

    Oglesby Mansion Open House
    Oglesby Mansion 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, United States

    Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $5/adult and $2/child The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, IL. >> Learn more about the Oglesby Mansion

  • Oglesby Mansion Open House

    Oglesby Mansion Open House
    Oglesby Mansion 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, United States

    Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $5/adult and $2/child The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, IL. >> Learn more about the Oglesby Mansion

  • Bethel School Open House

    Friends Creek Conservation Area 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Argenta, IL, United States

    See what going to school was like in the early 20th century at this historic one-room schoolhouse located at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Bethel School is one of the best treasures in Macon County. Come and tour this one-room schoolhouse that served Macon County for over 50 years. Step back in history and tour Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Admission is free and all ages are invited to attend. >> Read more about the Bethel School House

  • A History of Bicycling in Illinois

    Rock Springs Nature Center 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, United States

    Event details From fun to fitness and even women’s rights, bicycles had a big impact on daily life in Illinois. Author and guest speaker Christopher Sweet’s new book rediscovers the people, companies, and events that made our state synonymous with the bicycle. Professor Sweet is a librarian at Illinois Wesleyan University. Event requirements Free. No registration required.  

  • Oglesby Mansion Open House

    Oglesby Mansion Open House
    Oglesby Mansion 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, United States

    Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $5/adult and $2/child The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, IL. >> Learn more about the Oglesby Mansion