A new look at Lincoln: 'Lincoln's Association with American Indians'

[July 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- A new program, "Lincoln's Association with American Indians," begins Wednesday at the Elijah Iles House. Each Wednesday through Aug. 28, beginning at 2:30, Mr. Lincoln will relate his personal experiences and beliefs about Native Americans.

During his boyhood, Lincoln encountered Indians. As a young man, he participated in the Black Hawk War, as did many other Illinoisans, including Elijah Iles. And, during his presidency, Lincoln faced anguishing circumstances of American Indians.

This program has been developed to provide information, perhaps new to many, about Lincoln's association with Native Americans before and during his presidency. The larger question of human rights and freedom will be explored. Actor Fritz Klein has developed and produced the program, part of History Comes Alive.

The Elijah Iles house is at 628 S. Seventh St. in Springfield. Parking is available on-street and in the lot south of Cook.

[Text from Elijah Iles House Foundation news release received from the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition]