Lincoln Tomb to host 'Spirits of the Civil War'

Sept. 7 programs on Lincoln's son, African-American soldiers and immigrants

[August 26, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site offers a special day of history on Sept. 7 with presentations on Abraham Lincoln's least-known son, African-American heroes of the Civil War and immigration in central Illinois.

In addition, the historic interpreters of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry will appear at the tomb from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to give visitors a look at what life was like in the Union Army.

The "Spirits of the Civil War" events begin at 1 p.m. with Tom Emery, a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville. In "Eddie: Lincoln's Forgotten Son," he'll look at the life of Edward Baker Lincoln, the second son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, who died in 1850 before the age of 4.

At 2 o'clock, two African-American heroes of the Civil War will be brought back to life in portrayals.

Andrew Jackson Smith was a fugitive slave who made his way to Clinton, Ill., and then to Boston, Mass., where he joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry. Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton in 2001. Martin Delany, a recruiter, was one of the very few African-Americans who became officers during the Civil War. He once met with Lincoln to discuss the role of black soldiers.

Smith is portrayed by his grandson, Andrew Bowman. Delany is portrayed by Khabir Shareef of the Storyteller's Drum from Indianapolis, Ind.

And at 3 o'clock, Cathy Mosley presents "A New Home in Sangamon," a look at the lives of immigrants settling in Sangamon County during the 1860s. Mosley brings 26 years of performing experience to delivering the stories of these settlers.

The traveling exhibit "To Kill and to Heal: Weapons and Medicine of the Civil War" will be on display in the Lincoln Tomb's rotunda throughout September. This exhibit was produced by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and is sponsored with the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.

The events are sponsored by the Lincoln Monument Association and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which operates the Lincoln Tomb. The tomb, along with the state's World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, is in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave. All are open daily for free tours.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]