Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: May 19, 2009	Contact: David Blanchette (217) 558-8970
	A berry special Lincoln event Strawberry Party Saturday, May 23 in Union Square Park SPRINGFIELD, IL — A strawberry party reminiscent of the ones Mary Lincoln used to host in her Springfield home will be held Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Union Square Park directly across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in downtown Springfield. The event will be moved indoors to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library if it rains, and is co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. The strawberry party will feature period games including stick and hoop, jacks, and marbles. Visitors can make a buzz saw (a 19th century toy), write with a quill and ink, or make a Mary Lincoln fan, jump rope, or marble paper. The Tea Ladies from Bloomington will help visitors brush up on 19th century manners and etiquette. Guests can learn about fashionable hair and clothing from an expert, and even get their hair done in period styles. Augies will provide strawberries and other refreshments for a small charge. The strawberry party is free and open to the public and most crafts are free as well, although some activities require a small fee. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mike Anderson from 10 a.m. to noon, the Springfield International Folk Dancers from noon to 1 p.m., and Steve Staley and Dale Evans from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information about programs and events at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.org. ###