Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
04/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/07/2026 10:36
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site to host ‘We the People: America 250' presentations
SPRINGFIELD - Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site will host two programs exploring Illinois history through food traditions and American folk music in April.
Historian and musician Bucky Halker will present a musical program focused on the life and songs of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The program blends live guitar and vocal performances with historical commentary about Guthrie's life and the social issues reflected in his music and includes audience singalong songs.
On Saturday, April 25, chef and educator Lori Parrett will present "The Frosted Republic," a program examining Illinois' role in shaping American cake and dessert traditions. Using slides, vintage imagery and edible artifacts, Parrett will trace connections from early decorating classes by Wilton Brands to the influence of Duncan Hines and the Sara Lee bakery of Downers Grove. The presentation will begin at 10 a.m., highlighting how cake decorating reflects migration, ingenuity and celebration in American culture.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site , a gateway site for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 1840s home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The site is located about eight miles south of Charleston and 14 miles southeast of Mattoon.
The events are produced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency published this content on April 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 07, 2026 at 16:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]