A family reunion where everyone's invited

PETERSBURG - You may not be part of the family, but you're still invited to the reunion at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg.

 

            A Saturday, July 8 reunion will bring together more than 200 people who are direct descendants of those who lived in the log village of New Salem when Abraham Lincoln also resided there.  But it's a public celebration as well, marking the 175^th anniversary of Lincoln's arrival by flatboat on the Sangamon River.

 

            Public activities include demonstrations and crafts by period artisans, period music, a phrenologist, a puppet show, a summary of recent archaeological finds in the village, and a presentation about the history of New Salem.  Tickets for a public pulled pork barbecue dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. may be purchased through June 15 at the New Salem Visitor Center for $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for children.  "Lincoln's Landing" t-shirts that commemorate the event are now on sale at the New Salem Lincoln League Gift Shop.  A new cookbook, Descendants Reunion Souvenir Cookbook, will be sold beginning July 8.  The musical "Abraham" will be presented at 8 p.m. in the New Salem Amphitheater, and tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children.  Call (217) 632-5440 to order tickets.

 

            For more information on the July 8 activities, call (217) 632-4000 or visit www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.  The event is co-sponsored by the New Salem Lincoln League.

 

            Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov) is located along Route 97 about two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield.  It is open daily for free public tours.