About the Historical Society
Perpetuates and creates interest in Springfield and Sangamon County history through programs, events, and publications. Famous for annual Cemetery Walk bringing historical figures to life. Members receive Historico newsletter nine times yearly covering local history topics.
The Famous Cemetery Walk
The Society's most beloved program is "Echoes of Yesteryear: A Walk Through Oak Ridge Cemetery," an annual living history event held each fall at historic Oak Ridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln is buried. First launched in 1996 and revived by popular demand after a hiatus, this free public event features seven actors in period costumes portraying historical figures at their gravesites. The 2025 walk, marking its 20th anniversary, highlighted immigrants who came to Sangamon County and made significant contributions. Tours last approximately two hours, covering a half-mile route, with visitors transported by bus between the parking area and walking route starting point.
Publications and Educational Mission
Members receive Historico, the Society's newsletter published nine times yearly, featuring articles on local history topics, upcoming events, and research discoveries. Established in 1961, the organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sangamon County history through educational programs, tours, and special projects. The Society provides crucial support to the Sangamon Valley Collection at Springfield's Lincoln Library, ensuring researchers and genealogists have access to comprehensive resources about the region's past.
Located in the heart of Abraham Lincoln country, the Sangamon County Historical Society serves as a vital link between Springfield's Lincoln legacy and the broader community history that shaped central Illinois. Through engaging programs that bring historical figures to life and publications that make history accessible, the Society ensures that both nationally significant events and everyday community stories are preserved for future generations.
SangamonLink: An Online Encyclopedia
The Society maintains SangamonLink, a free online encyclopedia of Sangamon County history. Created to put the region's rich past at people's fingertips, the site is organized as an alphabetical encyclopedia with indices (A-J, K-O, and P-Z) and a searchable archive, along with a chronological timeline tracing the county's development. The Society describes history as "always a work in progress," and continually corrects, amplifies, and adds entries, welcoming contributions from the public rather than only professional historians. All original content is published under the Society's name and may be republished with credit.
Planning Your Visit
The Sangamon County Historical Society is based in Springfield, the heart of Abraham Lincoln country and the Illinois state capital. Visitors can begin with the Society's flagship Cemetery Walk at Oak Ridge Cemetery in the fall, or explore the Sangamon Valley Collection at Springfield's Lincoln Library, which the Society supports for researchers and genealogists. For membership details, event schedules, the Historico newsletter, and the full SangamonLink encyclopedia, visit the Society's website at sangamonhistory.org. The Society also shares news and updates through Facebook and Twitter.
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