The 16th Annual History Comes Alive summer experience is kicking off in Springfield! Starting Friday, June 6 through Aug. 9, Abraham & Mary Lincoln will lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time. This is a chance for people of all ages to meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield.

From historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Historic Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, visitors are invited to become a part of living history. Listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot, meet and greet both Mary Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant.

Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music from the Municipal Band and the Illinois Freedom Road and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.

If you enjoy staying active, the Lincoln Home Historic Site will be offering an opportunity to play cricket on Saturdays in July. This will provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about the game and have fun while doing it.

It will be easy to enjoy all of the activities of History Comes Alive this summer with the free Springfield summer trolley. The trolley will run Wednesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 For more information, see the full History Comes Alive 2025 schedule.