Join us to celebrate and dedicate the Lincoln's Lost Speech Mural in downtown Bloomington on the east steps of the Museum on Thursday, May 29 at 5:25 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy pre-program period music performed by the 33rd Illinois Regimental Band beginning at 4:45 p.m. The program will include remarks from local Lincoln Scholar Guy Fraker. During the ceremony, we will announce and recognize the winners of the Lincoln's Lost Speech coloring contest.
Local artist Troy Freeman of Free Sky Studios designed the 45 ft. tall by 25 ft. wide mural and will be painting it on the east wall of Rosie's Pub in Downtown Bloomington beginning in May. This is just across the street from where President Lincoln gave the famous speech at Major's Hall 168 years ago. Major's Hall no longer stands — the site is now home to the Lincoln Parking Garage on Front Street.
Lincoln’s Lost Speech was the closing oration at the Bloomington Convention on May 29, 1856, which united several political parties in the anti-slavery movement and led to the founding of the Illinois Republican Party. Lincoln’s speech is one of the most pivotal points in his political career and ultimately led to his election as president.
In case of inclement weather, our rain location will be Second Presbyterian Church.
Please contact Norris Porter, Museum Director of Development at nporter@mchistory.org for more information.