Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Special Events at New Salem

Join us all year long for a variety of special events and demonstrations -- All held in the historic village of Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site.

Join in the Tradition...

...and Escape to the Past. New Salem offers several opportunities for the visitor to be active at our historic

site. The New Salem Lincoln League is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the village by sponsoring special events, craft demonstrations, and raising funds necessary to assure the continual care and preservation of this piece of the Heart of America. We offer a large volunteer program, where interested people can work in the village, at the visitor's center, or one of our stores and become an active member of our site operation. People interested in becoming a part of either of these groups should contact the site and request application material. We look forward to getting to know you!

May 4, 2013 - Antique Farm Show: Plowing demonstrations will be held at New Salem using draft horse teams and antique farm equipment. Hours : 10am-3pm. Weather permitting.
June 8 & 9, 2013 - Summer Festival
June 15, 2013 - Triathlon
July 20, 2013 - Morgan Horse Show
September 7, 2013 - 33rd Annual Traditional Music Festival: 19th Century music and dancing will occur throughout the pioneer village of New Salem.
October 4 & 5, 2013 - Candlelight Tour: Bring the family and experience New Salem after dark. Interpreters will welcome you into the reconstructed log homes of the village where Lincoln lived for six years.
October 26 & 27, 2013 - Fall Festival: Join us at New Salem as we showcase the activities necessary to survive a winter in the 1830s: clothing preparation, sewing quilts and coverlets, soap and candle making, insulating homes, chopping firewood, smoking meat, food preservation, etc.
November 16, 2013 - Abe's Trail Trek

New Salem is constantly offering special lecture series, weekend workshops and other chances for the public to learn more about New Salem and the 1830's culture as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the public's relationship with our site. If you are interested in more information about our special events, volunteer programs, the New Salem Lincoln League or the Discovery Series, please contact us at 217/632-4000 and we will be happy to answer your questions. All Special Events are free and open to the public.