“I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me."

– Abraham Lincoln 

The history of Illinois would not be complete without a look at the life of America's 16th Preseident, Abraham Lincoln. Hear the stories of his days as a young man in New Salem, IL, through the tragic end to his presidency. Just in time for the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, a special "Lincoln" edition of Historical Illinois with your host, Stephen A. Douglas

“As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a precedent.”

– George Washington

George Washington is most commonly known as the first President of our country. However, did you know this surveyor and gentleman farmer happily became a father to not only his wife's children and grandchildren, but to many nieces and nephews as well? His commitment to his family was as important to him as his commitment to his soldiers, and later, a fledgling nation. Learn what brought Washington from a surveyor of land to a leader of a nation!

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“Our federal union, it must be preserved.”

– Andrew Jackson

Listen as Jackson, our seventh president, tells the tales of his wartime exploits, his disagreements with congress, and his tumultuous presidency.

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“Be mindful of the past.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Inventor, statesman, and founding father—he seemed to do it all! Learn more about the man who not only harnessed electricity and helped shape the country that would come to be known as the United States, but also entertained people with his satirical writing and adages.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

– Neil Armstrong

Join a returning World War II soldier as he witnesses the events, advances, and growing pains that our country experienced throughout the 1940s 50s and 60s. Highlights include changes in fashion and music, advances in electronics and modern conveniences, and the advent of the space race. Has progress helped or hindered us? Only time will tell!

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“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.”

– Daniel Burnham

Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1909 Chicago Plan, leads you through the history of the city he loved so well. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the Columbian Exposition of 1893; from the Union Stockyards to the city’s fabulous architecture. Burnham will introduce you to the people and events that shaped the “Windy City,” and helped transform it from the “Wild Onion” to the “City of the Big Shoulders.”

“Some of the most fascinating and believable ghost stories are those with historical roots.”

– JoAnne Christensen (author of “Ghost Stories of Illinois”)

Sit back and listen, if you dare, to the chilling tales of the historical hauntings of the Midwest. Goosebumps guaranteed!

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“Honour is our live's ambition.”

– Captain John Smith

America--discovered by Columbus, claimed by Spain, desired by all! A new territory was named after England's beloved Queen. Who was up to the job of settling this wild new land? None other than English adventurer Captain John Smith. In this new and exciting title, Captain Smith will explain how he helped to settle Jamestown in the Virginia Territory.

“Shazam!.”

– Billy Batson 

How do the mythological characters of long ago relate to the comic book superheroes of today? Get ready to be amazed by the action-packed tales of superheroes from yesterday and today.

“The work we are doing now is, I trust, done for posterity, in such a away that they need not repeat it.”

– Thomas Jefferson 

Terry will regale the audience with the adventures and exploits of the Corps of Discovery as they make their way from St. Louis to the Pacific. Terry will dress and share stories from the point of view of Meriwether Lewis.

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“We have duties to others and duties to ourselves, and we can shirk neither.”

– Teddy Roosevelt

Having just completed his second term as president, Theodore Roosevelt reflects back on his triumphs and failures, primarily on his White House years.

“If you’re anywhere in Illinois, you’re not too far from a place where the Underground Railroad operated.”

– Glennette Tilley Turner

Appearing as an owner of a “safe house” in Illinois, Terry Lynch explains how a safe house was used as a stopping point for the slaves to gain rest and nourishment before continuing on to safety in Canada. Several safe houses in the Chicagoland area will be highlighted.

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“Be always sure you are right, then go ahead.”

– Davy Crockett 

Terry Lynch shares the adventures of your favorite legendary characters. This program may be purchased in one of two ways:

Hear them all...Terry will narrate stories from the legends of Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Bess Call and John Henry. Costuming and props will be used to accentuate each of these wonderful tales.

Hear your favorite...choose one of the following folk heroes: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan or Davy Crockett. Terry will tell these characters’ stories in the first person, dressed as the folk hero of your choice.

Just let us know which program you prefer.

“...take a keen interest in something and luck must be with you.”

– Marvin Camras 

Terry, a 20th-century newspaper hawker, will give you the inside scoop on these Land-of-Lincoln legends, and their inventions: Marvin Camras (tape recorder), Laurens Hammond (electronic keyboard), Charles Pajeau (Tinker Toys), Levant Richardson (ball bearing roller skates), Ives McGaffery (vacuum cleaner) and Whitcomb Judson (the zipper).

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“Give the lady what she wants.”

– Marshall Field 

Turn-of-the century period clothing help bring the stories of these early entrepreneurs to life. Terry will share the success stories of Marshall Field, William Wrigley, Charles Walgreen, Ray Kroc and Frederick Maytag.