Historical Society Hosts “Abe Lincoln” in Tiskilwa on May 9

On Monday, May 9, the Tiskilwa Historical Society invites the community to an engaging evening of reminiscences by our 16th President Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by noted Lincoln scholar and look-alike, Kevin Wood. In a program beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar will present “From Obscurity to Greatness: Illinois and Lincoln, 1830 to 1861” at Tiskilwa’s Museum on Main.

On Monday, May 9, 2022, Tiskilwa Historical Society welcomes Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Kevin Wood, to Museum on Main at 7:00 p.m.

The life and times of The Great Emancipator as well as the beginnings of our young state will be brought to life by Mr. Wood, who will also engage the audience by asking questions and interacting with them. Over the past twenty years, Mr. Wood has made 1,500 appearances in 31 states, plus Washington, DC, Canada, and Spain.

From the year 1830 when the Lincoln family moved from Indiana to our state, Abraham Lincoln and Illinois, both full of energy and promise, grew tremendously throughout the next thirty years. Mr. Wood traces this timeline and encourages others to reflect on and learn from President Lincoln’s legacy.

Of particular interest for this presentation, the Museum on Main is housed in a brick structure (the former United Methodist Church) that had been in standing in pride of place for five years before Lincoln was elected President in 1860.

Tiskilwa Historical Society received a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council’s Road Scholar program to host Mr. Wood. As with all the society’s events, this presentation is suitable for audience members of all ages and there is no charge for admission.

Following the program, a social time with refreshments will be held in Galleries 1 and 2, so that audience members can visit with friends as they enjoy viewing the museum’s extensive collection. In the Timeline Hallway, a display of items from Chicago’s 1933 Century of Progress promises to be of particular interest to many visitors.