Springfield’s museums and historic sites
AeroKnow Museum
Anyone looking for a complete parts manual for a World War II Martin B-26 Marauder should visit AeroKnow Museum. The unique collection of historical photographs, model aircraft and kits dating back to the 1930s, aviation books and periodicals dating back to 1910 and technical manuals celebrates two years at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport this year. Founder/director Job Conger reports that visitation remains “by appointment only” because of the scarce volunteer support, but he expects things to change for the better as word gets around. A project in process, international in scope, Springfield and Illinois aviation history comprise a significant part of its resources. The current “cozy quarters” preclude group tours, but visitors of up to five are welcome, especially on weekends.
AeroKnow Museum, 900 Capital Airport Drive, Springfield. www.aeroknow.com. Visitation by appointment only, by calling 217-331-3661.
Air Combat Museum
The Air Combat Museum showcases the role of military aviation with an array of aviation memorabilia, including the gun sight from a Messerschmitt 109 and historical aircraft, including a
P-51 Mustang; a Vought F4U-5 Corsair; and a World War II vintage Ryan PT-22 Recruit. A rare 1928 Stearman C-3B joined the growing collection in 2011. An antique Fleet Model 9 biplane is being restored on the premises.
Air Combat Museum, Capital Airport, 835 Capital Airport Dr., www.aircombatmuseum.org. Summer hours from May 4 to Sept. 3 are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. For individual visits, donations are suggested. Group tours are $20, by appointment only, and may be arranged by calling 217-522-2181.
Camp Butler National Cemetery
One of 14 sites designated national cemeteries by President Abraham Lincoln, Camp Butler was also used to train Union troops and served as a prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War. Some 800 Confederate soldiers are buried here. So, too, are 39 German and 4 Italian military personnel and a Korean spy working for Germany, interred here after unsuccessful efforts to locate their kin after World War II. New to the site is an outside touchscreen kiosk that permits visitors to locate the graves of soldiers buried at Camp Butler.
Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd., 217-492-4070.
www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/campbutler.asp. Office open 7:30 a.m-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. The gate to the cemetery is open 24/7.
Clayville Historic Site
An assemblage of pre-Lincoln-era pioneer village life on 14 acres that includes a former stagecoach stop built in 1824 and the oldest log cabin in Sangamon County, Clayville Historic Site has risen like a Phoenix from 17 years of near-total neglect. In 2009, the Pleasant Plains Historical Society purchased the grounds and has restored the site. The Broadwell Inn & Tavern, the second-oldest brick building in Illinois, served travelers en route and returning from Beardstown. The site includes two 1830s log cabins, an 1850s barn moved to the site and reconstructed and the Rustemeyer Blacksmith Shop, the last active blacksmith shop in Springfield. In 1842, the first Whig Party state convention was held at Clayville. Including some support structures added by Sangamon State University in the 1970s, there are 10 buildings at the site. For the first time in decades, Clayville will be open seven days a week with special events scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged by appointment, and visitors may just wander the grounds.
Clayville Historic Site is located on Illinois Route 125 about a mile east of Pleasant Plains. From Springfield take Jefferson Street west and stay to the left on 125 where Route 97 (the road to New Salem) breaks north. To arrange group tours and for more information, call 217-481- 4430. Open April-September, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. www.clayville.org.
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
In 1902, Susan Lawrence Dana, the socialite daughter of a Springfield industrialist, commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a new residence around the existing family home. Trusting in Wright’s genius, Dana spared no expense, and Wright went all-out in what’s considered one of his first full expressions of the Prairie Style. When it was finished in 1904, the $60,000 project was the largest residence Wright had built – 35 rooms on three main levels, encompassing 12,000 square feet of living space. Dana loved to entertain, and her house was designed with that purpose in mind. The grand entrance is theatrical; one enters the house as though walking onto a stage. The three floors contain 16 varying levels.
In the early 1980s, to preserve this architectural gem, the state of Illinois acquired the residence from then-owner Thomas Publishing. The Dana-Thomas House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the house, hosts programs and special events. Extensively restored in 2011 to reflect even more of its former grandeur, the house is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The house contains the largest collection of Wright furniture and art-glass windows in the world. Its panoramic mural is the only intact painting of its kind created by internationally renowned artist George Niedecken, who painted many murals for Wright. The Sumac Gift Shop offers many Wright-related items.
At Dana’s request, Wright also designed a library for the Lawrence School in honor of her father, the late Rheuna Lawrence. Not too long after Wright designed the space – one of only 10 interiors Wright designed for a building that wasn’t his – the school converted the library into a classroom. However, Wright’s original construction records were discovered in his Taliesin West studio, in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the library was restored in the 1980s. It is now part of the Lawrence Education Center, 101 E. Laurel St., 525-3233. It is open to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Traditional events at the Dana-Thomas House include special decorations during Halloween week in October and the decoration of the home in early Christmas finery during the holidays.
Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776, www.dana-thomas.org. Hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum
The Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War was founded in 1885. In 1969, the organization built and moved into its current facility at 503 S. Walnut St. The museum preserves countless artifacts of Civil War history. Several flags on display were carried into battle. Other items include an impressive array of rifles, medals, photos, currency, drums, uniforms and letters from soldiers at the front. The organization also has a complete set of War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Other volumes relating to the war may be used for research on-site. A museum gift shop offers a variety of books about the Civil War. Next to the organization’s museum and office at the corner of Walnut and Governor is its 2,800-square-foot “American foursquare” house, built in 1898, converted into a research library, a children’s room and special exhibit space, as well as quarters for organization trustees visiting Springfield. A new memorial brick garden in the back yard was completed in 2010.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum, 503 S. Walnut St., 217-544- 0616. http://www.duvcw.org. Open 9:30 a.m.noon and 1-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Open Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Edwards Place
Edwards Place is the oldest house in Springfield that remains standing on its original foundation. The mansion, built in 1833, was purchased 10 years later by Benjamin S. and Helen Dodge Edwards. For many years, the mansion was at the center of Springfield’s social and political life. A rally for Stephen A. Douglas was held here. In 1913, Edwards Place was deeded to the Springfield Art Association. Several major collections of art are maintained in the house. More modern artwork is on view at the SAA Gallery adjoining the house. The association also offers a variety of art and art-appreciation classes. The Association’s Michael Victor II Art Library loans items to the public. Established in 1964 by Devera and Benjamin Victor in memory of their son, Michael, the library has grown to 4,000 volumes on art and related topics. In addition to books, the library contains videos and DVDs on art-related topics. It has books geared toward children, as well as many resources for those learning to create art themselves.
Edwards Place, 700 N. Fourth St., 217- 523-2631, springfieldart.org. Open for tours at 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on the hour, Tue.-Sat. (groups of more than 10 must call ahead for scheduling). The gallery and library are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Admission to the gallery is free; a $5 donation is suggested for tours of Edwards Place.
Elijah Iles House
The Elijah Iles House was built in the 1830s and many believe it is Springfield’s oldest house. There is evidence that it was designed by the same architect who designed the Old State Capitol. It is one of Illinois’ earliest residences in the Greek Revival style of architecture. Two of Springfield’s most famous citizens, Abraham Lincoln and poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, are known to have visited the house. Lincoln spent time in the house as a guest of Robert Irwin and he enjoyed many a card game in the front parlor. Because of the house’s impressive architecture and rich history, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Having been moved from two earlier locations, the house found its current home at the corner of Seventh and Cook in 2004. The house is thought to have been built by Elijah Iles in 1832. An elevator, accessible from special parking behind the house, provides access to visitors with limited mobility. The Farrell and Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History is located in the house’s lower level. Exhibits have included topics such as Springfield’s early beginnings and the history of the Illinois Watch Company.
Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St. Open 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Wed. & Sat. Apr - Nov or by appointment. Donations accepted. 217-492-5929, http://www.iles-house.blogspot.com.
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum
When John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln, he leaped to the stage, caught his heel on the flag that hung from Lincoln’s box seat, and sprained his ankle on landing. That flag, bearing the tear inflicted by Booth’s heel, is now on display at this unique museum, which is within walking distance of the Lincoln Home, and across the street from the Elijah Iles House. The collection includes tintype photos by Mathew Brady, rare drawings of the infamous Andersonville and Liby prison camps and a complete list of Union soldiers held there during the war. Owned by the National Woman’s Relief Corps, an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, the museum also maintains many volumes of Civil War history that may be examined on-site.
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum, 629 S. Seventh St., 217-522-4373.
Illinois Fire Museum
Once the home of the Illinois State Fairgrounds’ own fire station, this site has been transformed into a museum by the state fire marshal. Continuing this year are the ever-popular exhibits about fire safety for the kids and the humongous collection of firefighter-squad patches from all over the world. The museum has a display of photos of famous and infamous Illinois fires. The museum is slated to acquire more examples of antique firefighting equipment, in addition to the 1938 Diamond T fire truck that has been displayed there for decades. On exhibit in the Patch Room is a horse-drawn Hanneman Hand Pumper first used in Quincy in 1857 and today on loan from the San Jose, Ill., fire department. When the state fair isn’t on, parking is plentiful.
Illinois Fire Museum, Building 7, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Central at Main, 217-785-7487, http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/public/firemuseum.aspx. Open by appointment only, Mon.-Fri. No appointment is needed during the Illinois State Fair. Call 217-785-7487. Admission is free.
Illinois State Military Museum
The museum’s permanent exhibit, “Patriots of the Heartland,” chronicles the actions of the military in Illinois from its early militias to current military operations throughout the world. Located on the grounds of Camp Lincoln, headquarters of the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois State Military Museum is dedicated to the state’s military heritage, from pre-statehood days to today. While you’re there, take a close look at the target board used by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to test-fire the new Spencer rifle. Added in late 2007 is a realistic WWII scene depicting Illinois’ 132nd Infantry in combat on Guadalcanal in 1942. Also displayed is the artificial leg worn by Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana of Alamo infamy. Displayed outside are restored Vietnam War-era AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 “Huey” helicopters and an M60A-3 tank.
Illinois State Military Museum, Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., 217-761-3910, www.il.ngb.army.mil/museum. Open 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Tue.-Sat. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
Abraham Lincoln’s National Museum of Surveying
It’s no coincidence that when the one-of-a-kind National Museum of Surveying was opened Sept. 24, 2010, organizers located it just more than one block from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Its purpose is twofold: to let visitors know how land surveyors played an important role in the development of America and to encourage young people to become surveyors to meet the nationwide shortage. Staffed by the assistant director and a team of volunteers, the museum includes a theater, three galleries and a gift and book store. Visitors watch an eight-minute video and then are shown the galleries, which tell a fascinating story dating back to ancient Egypt. Glass cases contain and explain artifacts dating back to Washington and Jefferson, who also were surveyors before they became presidents of the United States, and include more recent history as well. You won’t believe the plumb bob display. The museum’s marquee attraction is the “Science on a Sphere” exhibit, a 68-inch globe that shows projected details of earth’s weather, air travel and details of our oceans and solar system. Developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it is one of only 72 in the U.S. Special children’s activities take place throughout weekends. Groups of 15 or more may schedule evening tours after regular closing.
Abraham Lincoln’s National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington St. 217-523- 3130. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: adults 16-61 – $5; families – $10; seniors 62 and older – $4; active military (ID required) – $4; kids 5-15 – $3; students with school group - $2; kids under 5-free. www.nationalsurveyingmuseum.org.
The Pearson Museum
Located in the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, this teaching museum covers various aspects of healing, including pharmaceutical, surgical, dental and alternative medicine. Treatments through the centuries come to life in permanent and changing exhibits. Named for long-practicing Springfield physician Emmett Pearson, the museum features a dental exhibit, a complete homeopathic dispensary and an entire 1900 drugstore from Canton, Ill., with its many apothecary jars and vials. School groups and practicing physicians often visit the museum to hear lectures.
Pearson Museum, 801 N. Rutledge St., 217- 545-4261. Open by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. www.siumed.edu/medhum/pearson.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum
When Bill Shea returned home from World War II, he started working at his neighborhood Texaco filling station. When the owner died, Shea bought the station and operated it nine years until purchasing the Marathon station 850 feet north, where he continued to sell gasoline until 1982. The Gas Station Museum is the result of Shea’s not throwing much away during those 60 years. Located on a part of City Route 66, the collection consists of thousands of oil cans, fuel pumps, a 1952 Airstream travel trailer and a restored 1984 Ward school bus, a museum in its own right. In 2000 Shea moved another station office from Middletown, Ill., and restored it to its 1920s splendor.
Perhaps in anticipation of a visit from Clark Kent, the station has acquired two old-time wooden telephone booths. Shea’s museum is a popular site on the national Route 66 tour.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum, 2075 Peoria Rd., 217-522-0475. Open Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-noon. Admission: $3 donation.
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
Springfield’s newest museum, which opened Feb. 23, 2012, is located above Abraham Lincoln’s National Museum of Surveying on the north side of the city square. Major exhibits are slated for the spacious open center section of the second floor. Offices include a research area with smaller displays of artifacts, a collection of photographs and a growing oral history collection. The first major exhibition featured photographs of prominent Springfield-area African Americans from the 1930s through the 1950s. Planned exhibits include a look back at African-American churches and more, as wheels begin to roll.
The Springfield Illinois African American History Foundation, which organized the museum, also has created a support organization with a special charter member rate for individuals and businesses that extends through 2012.
The museum plans to offer walking tours about the 1908 race riots and black-owned businesses. They are also considering cemetery walks.
Museum hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individual and group tours on other days may be arranged by appointment. 217-528- 2725. Cost of admission was slated for announcement close to opening day in late February. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 521 E. Washington, second floor. www.spiaahf.org.
Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site
“Prairie troubadour” Vachel Lindsay captured the attention of audiences around the world during the early 1900s. He was born on Nov. 10, 1879, and died on Dec. 5, 1931, and both events took place in the Lindsay family home, located at 603 S. Fifth St., across the street from the Illinois Executive Mansion. Lindsay’s father, Thomas, was a physician; his mother, Catherine, was an artist and social reformer. Lindsay was supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps, and after high school he attended Hiram College in Ohio to study medicine, but he eventually dropped out to attend art schools in Chicago and New York City.
In the early 20th century, Lindsay set out on a series of tramps across America. At the conclusion of one of these trips, his poem “General William Booth Enters into Heaven,” a eulogy to the founder of the Salvation Army, was published in Chicago’s Poetry magazine. The poem brought him national attention, and subsequent works garnered international acclaim. Some of his best-known poems include “The Congo” and “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight.”
Lindsay’s family home, now a state historic site, has been restored to depict life in 1917, when Lindsay’s parents still played an active role in community life. Examples of Lindsay’s poetry and art, not a part of the house at that time, have been added to showcase the poet.
Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901. Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
