May 21 Tuesday
Six underground railroad conductors will be honored at the Sangamon County Historical Society meeting.Two were white and four were African-American. Most had ties to President Abraham Lincoln. They came from all walks of life, but share the same goal--to help slaves gain their freedom. The risk was enormous and jail time was a possibility for those involved. The last one discussed William Donnegan, will be portrayed in period costume by local actor Reggie Guyton. An update on the State of Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force will be given by John Ackerman, Task Force member and Tazewell County Clerk. A tour of the graves included.
May 25 Saturday
Only 1 hour from most suburbsCOME ALONG ON OUR KAYAK TOURS AT THE #1 STATE PARK IN THE MIDWEST REGION WITH 18 CANYONS AND TOWERING ST PETERS SANDSTONE BLUFFSEvery Saturday/Sunday and Holidays 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm,1pm,2pmCOME WITH US & SEE WHAT HIKERS CAN’T SEE!Looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of kayaking with the stunning natural beauty of Starved Rock? Look no further than our guided kayak tour! With expert guides to lead the way, you’ll paddle through pristine waters and marvel at breathtaking rock formations as you soak up the sights and sounds of one of Illinois’ most beloved state parks. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-time paddler, this tour is an experience you won’t soon forget. So why wait? Book your spot now and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Starved Rock from a whole new perspective!This starved rock tour is not to be missed! Come see Towering St. Peter’s Sandstone Bluffs, soaring Bald Eagles, Pelicans and beautiful Lotus flowers. Our Tour guides will dazzle you with educational points about the area and entertaining tips. If you have been to this wonderful state park you know how beautiful it is. With its majestic St. Peters sandstone bluffs towering over the Illinois river to the canyons carved out deep along the shore line this state park has been consistently rated #1 in Illinois with over 3million visitors a year. For this kayak tour we will be kayaking for approx. 2 hours. The views from your kayak are amazing!Exploring Kayaking and Camping Adventures near ChicagoDiscover Premier Kayaking ExperiencesEmbark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure near Chicago with our high-quality single Perception Carolina 12ft & 14ft touring kayaks.Guided Kayak Tours for Enhanced ExplorationEnhance your kayaking experience with our guided kayak tours, available every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. These tours offer comprehensive instruction and safety lessons before setting out on the water. Our knowledgeable guides lead small groups to explore the scenic beauty of Chicago’s sandy shores, ensuring a memorable adventure for all participants.Flexible Kayak RentalsFor those seeking independent exploration, kayak rentals are available seven days a week from May 1st to Labor Day. Weekends April, Sept and Oct. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, our fleet of kayaks caters to all skill levels, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of Chicago from a unique perspective.Immerse Yourself in Nature with CampingUnwind and recharge after your kayaking adventures with our waterfront camping options along the Illinois River, directly across from Starved Rock State Park. Choose from tent camping, pop-up camping, or tear-drop camping at our Starved Rock location, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape.Seamless Integration of Kayaking and CampingExperience the perfect blend of outdoor activities by bringing your own kayak for use on the river. Our kayak-friendly campground ensures that campers can seamlessly transition from exploring the waterways to relaxing under the stars. Please note that all individuals launching from our locations must wear a PFD (life jacket).Accessible Day Trips for Non-CampersFor those interested in a day of kayaking without camping or renting equipment, our location offers convenient access with a $10 launch fee. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to kayaking, our facilities provide everything you need for a memorable outdoor adventure near Chicago.
May 26 Sunday
May 28 Tuesday
Snacks and treats, veggies and sweets...we love delicious foods! Join the ALPLM’s Education Team on Tuesday, May 28th at 10:00 AM at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as we share stories and activities that celebrate our love of all things food! This is a free program, but advance registration is required.
Jun 01 Saturday
Jun 02 Sunday
Jun 04 Tuesday
Experience the vault through the eyes—or ears—of a music librarian for our next edition of "Tales from the Vault."
ALPLM’s Director of Library Services, Jade Kastel, will take the audience on a journey featuring music instruments, sheet music, and a look at the arts over the decades. Instruments from the 1860s that will be shown include a bass drum, snare, fife, and flute. Jade will also cover two music instruments currently on exhibit at the museum to set the stage for any audience member interested in a trip to the museum to see Mary Lincoln’s music box and an 1860s violin hand-made by Christopher H. Kuhn.
"Tales from the Vault: Music Instruments in the ALPLM Collection" will take place in our library’s multi-purpose room on Tuesday, June 4 at 12:00 p.m. The event is free; reservations are not required.
This is a “hybrid” program that will be offered virtually via Facebook Live. Please go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. Open the page at the appointed time and scroll to the post highlighting the live event. Once you’re there, simply click on the image and watch the live video stream.
Tales from the Vault is a monthly collaboration between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Jade Kastel was selected the 2023 Illinois Academic Librarian of the Year by the Illinois Library Association for her work at the music librarian, assistant professor, and the library’s Diversity Officer at Western Illinois University. Jade was a Director of Music and organist in Milwaukee for 9 years before she embarked on her career in librarianship. She is currently completing her doctorate in jazz performance with a minor in queer studies at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign.
GriefShare 13 Week Support/Recovery ProgramNo matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful process. GriefShare is a grief support group for people dealing with the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Over 13 weeks, you’ll find relief and comfort as you learn what to expect in the days ahead and how to navigate your personal grief process. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability and gain solid support each step of the way. GriefShare is composed of 3 parts: video, workbook & sharing. There is no cost for this program. Classes will be held Tuesday evenings 6-8pm in the Parish Hall at 515 S MacArthur, starting June 4, 2024. Preregistration is requested. Please contact Joleen Hoff at #217-899-9418 or via email at trinitygriefshare@yahoo.com.
Jun 08 Saturday
Jun 09 Sunday