The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and America’s 250th anniversary with a free public event from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the House of Representatives chamber where Lincoln once served.
The program will feature Fritz Klein as Lincoln, along with remarks from Vandalia Mayor Doug Knebel and music by the Vandalia Community High School Band.
Klein, a professional actor and speaker, is known for his historically accurate and compelling portrayal of Lincoln. He bears a striking physical resemblance to the former president and has appeared in documentaries and films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
Birthday cake and cookies will be served. The celebration is presented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Vandalia Illinois Tourism Commission and the Old Capitol Foundation.
The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois and served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839. The site, at 315 W. Gallatin St., is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 618-283-1161.
