"A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free.
- Abraham Lincoln, "House Divided Speech"
June 16, 1858
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, we pay special attention to Lincoln's "House Divided Speech" in which he addressed the polarizing issue of slavery.
While Springfield was not formally designated as a debate site, Lincoln gave his "House Divided Speech" in the Old State Capitol on June 16, 1858. This speech helped to define the issues that ignited the seven debates.
Visit Lincoln Douglas Reunion Tour '08 at www.lincolndouglasreunion.com. where you'll learn about the special reunion events in each debate community and find out what is happening throughout Illinois on those weekends.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
All Day
Confronting Democracy's Boundaries: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Traveling Exhibit, Old State Capitol.
1-3pm
Lincoln and Douglas performers George Buss and Tim Connors mingle with visitors, Old State Capitol.
2pm
Lincoln and Douglas Debate Performance, Old State Capitol's Representative Hall.
4-5pm
"Together We Read Libraries" featuring audience interaction with award-winning historian Allen Guelzo, discussing his new book, Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates that Defined America in partnership with the American Library Association, Old State Capitol.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
All Day
Confronting Democracy's Boundaries: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Traveling Exhibit, Old State Capitol.
1-3pm
Lincoln and Douglas performers George Buss and Tim Connors mingle with visitors, Old State Capitol.
2pm
Lincoln and Douglas Debate Performance, Old State Capitol's Representative Hall.
3-4:30pm
"Historians Speak"—a public conversation between award-winning Lincoln historian, Allen Guelzo, and Illinois State Historian, Thomas F. Schwartz. Audience participation encouraged. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
4:30pm
Book Signing by historian Allen Guelzo, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Store.
MONDAY, JUNE 16
All Day
Confronting Democracy's Boundaries: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Traveling Exhibit, Old State Capitol.
10-11am
"Researching Lincoln & Douglas at the Presidential Library." Outreach program for the general public highlighting the Library's research materials for Stephen A. Douglas & Lincoln-Douglas Debates, featuring Glenna Schroeder-Lein from the Manuscripts Division, Mary Michals from the A/V Division, and Lincoln Curator James Cornelius, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. CPDUs offered.
11-2:30pm
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Education Department. Half-day Teachers' Workshop on Lincoln & Douglas and related topics: Lunch & Workshop in Presidential Library Classroom with Allen Guelzo. Teachers who come early can also attend the Research program at 10 am. CPDUs offered. Cost: $10.00. To reserve a space, go to abelincolnmuseum.org or call (217) 558-8934.
1-3pm
Lincoln and Douglas performers George Buss and Tim Connors mingle with visitors, Old State Capitol.
2pm
Lincoln and Douglas Debate Performance, Old State Capitol's Representative Hall.
5:30pm
Special Performance—"House Divided Speech" Sesquicentennial Commemoration featuring historical readings by Lincoln-Douglas performers George Buss and Tim Connors with running historical commentary by award-winning historian Allen Guelzo; Representative Hall. Cost: $8.00. Purchase Tickets Online or by calling (217) 558-8934
Allen C. Guelzo, historian and award-winning author
Confronting Democracy's Boundaries: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Traveling Exhibit is sponsored by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.
