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Peoples National Bank of Springfield was the first religious and ethnically-integrated bank in downstate Illinois. African Americans Dr. Edwin A. Lee, Sr. and E. Winfred "Doc" Helm were instrumental in founding it. Located on the east side of Springfield across from the Cook Street post office, its motto was "where people make the difference." See black and white photos from the 1970s, architectural plans, newspaper articles, telephone directory advertisements, oral histories, artifact photos, certificates, and correspondence.

Peoples National Bank of Springfield was the first religious and ethnically-integrated bank in downstate Illinois. African Americans Dr. Edwin A. Lee, Sr. and E. Winfred "Doc" Helm were instrumental in founding it. Located on the east side of Springfield across from the Cook Street post office, its motto was "where people make the difference." See black and white photos from the 1970s, architectural plans, newspaper articles, telephone directory advertisements, oral histories, artifact photos, certificates, and correspondence.

You’re invited to join the ALPLM for an informal reception and remarks by Roz Dimon on Friday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lincoln Reception Room.

Afterwards, be sure to visit the museum to view twelve of her digital portraits of Abraham Lincoln, inspired by Alexander Gardner’s famous 1863 photograph, currently featured on the museum’s West Corridor Wall.

During the reception, Dimon will discuss the inspiration of the project, her approach to creating art, and take questions.

This reception is free to attend. Reservations are not required.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Georgia-born, New York-based artist Roz Dimon — pioneer of new media art and creator of the DIMONscape — unites traditional drawing with digital innovation to explore themes at the crossroads of technology, spirit, and society. Known for works in the 9/11 Memorial Museum and collections nationwide, Dimon’s art often blends historical figures with contemporary contexts

Peoples National Bank of Springfield was the first religious and ethnically-integrated bank in downstate Illinois. African Americans Dr. Edwin A. Lee, Sr. and E. Winfred "Doc" Helm were instrumental in founding it. Located on the east side of Springfield across from the Cook Street post office, its motto was "where people make the difference." See black and white photos from the 1970s, architectural plans, newspaper articles, telephone directory advertisements, oral histories, artifact photos, certificates, and correspondence.

Step into the spirit of the holidays with decor arranged by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Enjoy the sparkle of art glass throughout the house. Tours run every 15 minutes; final departure at 6:30 PM. Post-tour cocoa and s'mores in the courtyard, with live music by Ben Bedford from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. (No live music December 26.) Courtyard closes at 7:45 PM. Registration available through Eventbrite but not required.

Vegan Outreach is thrilled to present Springfield Mac Down! Join us for a delicious afternoon celebrating all things mac n’ cheese.
Springfield Mac Down — Presented by Vegan Outreach!
Vegan Outreach is thrilled to present Tulsa Mac Down! Join us for a delicious afternoon celebrating all things mac n’ cheese.

Come sample a variety of creative, mouthwatering vegan mac n’ cheese dishes made by talented local chefs! Attendees will taste and vote to decide who will take home the title of Best Vegan Mac in Springfield!
Tickets: Will be available to purchase in January.

Sign up for our ticket waitlist on our website: tinyurl.com/macspringfield

We’re still welcoming volunteers, vendors, and sponsors! Interested? Contact:📧 austins@veganoutreach.org 916-572-4406

Chefs Competing: TBA
Think your mac can win? 🍽️Submit your chef application at our website.

Check out our website for more info: tinyurl.com/macspringfield

This Wicked and Wizard of Oz Themed Performance is for families to enjoy together. Featuring performances from Mahogany Knight and the stunning team at Knight Entertainment- you'll get to meet them all! This interactive and wickedly gorgeous event is going to be a joy filled experience for families.

*This is a family only event, no adults admitted without a child present.
*For those without children under the age of 18, we have an 18+ show at 7pm.

North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre show is now playing in Springfield, IL! Solve a hilarious true crime murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!

Join us for an event that is very different from a traditional mystery dinner show. Our actors are not dressed in costume and are hidden in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults.

Each ticket includes our signature award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show.

Happens on the following Dates:
Jan 24, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Jan 31, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information
January 14, 2026 Eric Mollahan, Executive Director
217-303-3340
ericmollahan@landconservationfoundation.org

Land Conservation Foundation’s 8th Annual Mudpuppy Festival
February 1 is Monticello’s Official Mudpuppy Day!

The Land Conservation Foundation invites all ages to celebrate the Sangamon River’s coolest creature – the mudpuppy – at our eighth annual Mudpuppy Festival. This Festival will be held at the Monarch Events Center in Monticello on Sunday, February 1 from 1-4 pm. All past Festivals have been a huge success with up to 300 people attending. LCF is a non-profit organization and donations are greatly appreciated.

This year’s children’s section is hosted by the Illinois Extension, and kids will have an opportunity to complete mudpuppy crafts and a scavenger hunt, have their wildlife “passports” stamped to “fish” for prizes, and have their faces painted. There will also be exhibits for everyone to learn about the Sangamon River and its wildlife, including mussels, birds, pollinators, and the state threatened mudpuppy, a footlong aquatic salamander, unique for its purple external gills!

Monticello Mayor Larry Stoner has approved a proclamation naming February 1 as Mudpuppy Day in Monticello! Regional businesses and individuals sponsor the festival.

The Land Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to preserving local natural areas for wildlife…for people…forever. LCF currently owns properties in Champaign, Piatt, DeWitt, and Vermilion counties, including the Bruce Hannon Levee Trail in Monticello.

For more information, go to LCFs website: landconservationfoundation.org or call Executive Director Eric Mollahan, 217-303-3340.

Step into the spirit of the holidays with decor arranged by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Enjoy the sparkle of art glass throughout the house. Tours run every 15 minutes; final departure at 6:30 PM. Post-tour cocoa and s'mores in the courtyard, with live music by Ben Bedford from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. (No live music December 26.) Courtyard closes at 7:45 PM. Registration available through Eventbrite but not required.