Lincoln, other Springfield historic sites to be open 7 days

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Key historic sites in Abraham Lincoln's hometown will again be open seven days a week.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports (http://bit.ly/29vBT5k ) that the Old State Capitol and the Dana-Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are open daily beginning this week. Lincoln's New Salem State Park, just north of Springfield opens daily July 18.

Lincoln served in the Legislature at the Old State Capitol and in 1858 delivered his "House Divided" speech there. New Salem is where the 16th president began his adult life.

Justin Blandford is superintendent for the Springfield-area state historic sites. He says the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency adjusted hours, filled two open positions and recruited more volunteers to expand schedules shortened for months because of the state budget crisis.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com