Discovery Museum celebrating Lincoln's 200th
It would be cool if people were celebrating our birthdays 200 years after the fact. But unless we save a nation or free an oppressed people, it's not likely.
Not everyone can leave a legacy as great as Abraham Lincoln's. The bearded, gangly, 16th president is being remembered across the nation as we note the bicentennial of his birth.
The Lake County Discovery Museum will mark the anniversary with three upcoming educational programs.
"An Evening with President and Mrs. Lincoln" is set for Friday, Feb. 20. Two other special programs are scheduled in March and April.
"An Evening with President and Mrs. Lincoln" focuses on the hour before the family leaves for a date with destiny at Ford's Theater.
"The Lincoln re-enactors are phenomenal," said Debbie King of the Discovery Museum. "They stay in character from the time they walk into the room. They are the Lincolns, through and through."
Max and Donna Daniels of Wheaton have portrayed Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln for more than 20 years and are considered one of the best teams in the state. The husband and wife are experts in Lincoln history. Along with period clothing and other props, the Daniels have a library including more than 1,000 books about Abe.
The presentation is interactive with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers, King said. The hourlong event will be held in the White Room gallery and begins at 7 p.m. It's open to all ages.
In addition to this event, folk singer Chris Vallillo will present "Abraham Lincoln in Song" on March 8. Vallillo uses period and contemporary folk songs to bring Lincoln's era to life. The show runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Kids will experience what it was like to live in the 19th Century during the "Living Like Lincoln" event on April 5.
Held inside a replica Lincoln-era log home, children will hear stories and do hands-on educational activities. The program runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and is open for kids ages 5-9.
Each of the events cost Lake County residents $8 for adults and $5 for children. Nonresidents pay $11 for adults and $7 for children. Registration is required. Register online at lcfpd.org or by calling (847) 968-3321
The Discovery Museum is located at 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road in the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.