Chicago History Museum To Host Free Presidents' Day Celebration

CHICAGO — The Chicago History Museum is inviting the public to honor the endeavors and accomplishments of America’s presidents with a special celebration. The President's Day event will include live music, performances and craft activities on Monday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Museum admission is free for Illinois residents on this day. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Highlights of the day include a performance by the Chicago Brass Band and a production of “Meeting the Lincolns” by the company With Lincoln Productions. First Lady Mary Todd and President Lincoln will speak about their youth, education and the struggles of the Civil War, followed by a question and answer session. Visitors can snap a picture with the famous first-couple before the program.

Families can enjoy face painting, storytelling and live folk music.

Schedule:

• 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Pose with the Lincolns

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln roam the Museum, so visitors can mingle and snap a picture with the famous first-couple.

• 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. | Storytelling for Kids

30-minute performance by storyteller Gwen Hilary and musician Enoch Williamson

• 11:15 a.m. | The Lincoln Program

45-minute performance by the Chicago Brass Band’s Vintage Brass Ensemble

• 2:00 p.m. | Meeting the Lincolns

30-minute performance by the company With Lincoln Productions; Q&A to follow

A full schedule is available here.

Visitors are also invited to explore the Museum’s permanent exhibitions, “Abraham Lincoln,” and “Lincoln’s Chicago.” Notable objects on view include Abraham Lincoln’s Death Bed, circa 1850-1865, and Lincoln’s gold pocket watch, presented to the president-elect in 1861.

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