Illinois lacked the needed population at the time. But that didn't stop those committed to becoming part of the union.

The event is at the Dana Thomas House Carriage House

Inskeep is a reporter and Morning Edition host. He's also the author of Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America.

The fateful 163-year-old document had been in an anonymous private collection until its purchase at auction by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and first lady M.K. Pritzker, who donated it to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Lauren Gleason, volunteer coordinator, Illinois State Historic Sites; and Jenn Edginton, interim director, Illinois State Museum joined Community Voices to provide more information about the Illinois History Day experience for students and volunteers. Judges and other volunteers to facilitate the event are still needed.

Admission will be free Saturday and Monday.

The first meeting took place Tuesday.

Volunteers contribute an average of 35,000 hours of service each year at the ALPLM,

The annual Lincoln Birthday Symposium and Banquet, usually held on February 12 on Lincoln’s actual birthday, is being celebrated on February 17 to take advantage of the three-day Presidents’ Day weekend.

The name was chosen as it signifies Lincoln's home address in Springfield.