Vandalia hosting historical celebrations this weekend

By Editor | February 8, 2012 |

Vandalia will celebrate the history of this community, state and nation with three events this weekend.

The festivities include an anniversary celebration at the National Road Interpretive Center and Lincoln Victory Ball on Saturday, and the annual Lincoln’s Birthday program on Sunday.
National Road Interpretive Center
The third anniversary of the National Road Center will be celebrated from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, with a special program set for 4 p.m.
During that program, local historian Linda Hanabarger will speak about families who settled in Fayette County after building the National Road.
John Goldsmith, director of the National Road Association of Illinois, will present the history of the National Road. Vandalia is the terminus of the first federally funded interstate road.
The celebration will include special activities for children.
The interpretive center is located at 105 S. Fifth St., just north of Vandalia City Hall.
Lincoln Victory Ball
The second annual Lincoln Victory Ball will be held at 7 p.m. at the Vandalia Moose Lodge.
“Salt Creek Band” will perform music from the Civil War era, and a caller will lead participants through dances.
Admission is $5 per person, but those dressed in Civil War-era attire will be admitted free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.
The ball is being organized by the Vandalia Lincoln Victory Ball Committee and sponsored by the Vandalia Historical Society.
For more information, contact Brian Garner at 292-7084 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Lincoln’s Birthday Program
The Vandalia Statehouse will again host the Lincoln’s Birthday program, which will be held at 2 p.m. in the House of Representatives chambers.
Kevin Kaegy of the Bond County Historical Society will present the program, entitled “Lincoln’s Rebel In-Laws.”
Lincoln memorabilia from the Mathis family collection will be on display on Sunday.
Refreshments will be available after the program, which is free and open to the public.
The program is sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Vandalia Historical Society and Old Capitol Foudnation.