VANDALIA, IL – 1830s rooms illuminated by candle light will highlight the annual Christmas Open House scheduled for Saturday, December 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site.

           

The Statehouse where Abraham Lincoln served as a State Representative from 1836 to 1839 will be trimmed with 1800s decorations including fresh greenery, fruits and nuts.  Statehouse staff and volunteers in period clothing will greet visitors and be available to answer questions.  Period recorder music will be provided by Baroque Folk.  The first 100 families will receive a free handmade Christmas ornament.  Cookies and mulled cider will be served by Vandalia Friends of the Old State Capitol.      

           

The Christmas Open House is free and open to the public.  It is cosponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers Vandalia Statehouse; Vandalia Friends of the Old State Capitol; and the City of Vandalia Tourism Commission. 

           

The City of Vandalia was the state capital for 20 years, and during that period there were three different Capitol buildings.  The earlier two are no longer standing but the third and final one, the Vandalia Statehouse, was the seat of Illinois government from 1836 to 1839.  It is located one mile south of I-70 on U.S. 51 South, and is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.