Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February, falling on Feb. 20 this year. George Washington’s birthday is Feb. 22, but in 1971 Congress designated that it be celebrated on the Monday, thus guaranteeing a three-day weekend. In addition to Washington, Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and William Henry Harrison were born in February. Your children can meet a couple of those presidents (well, actors portraying them) at these Presidents Day events.
Chicago & Suburbs
Fun with the Lincolns
When: Feb. 16
Where: Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, Wilmette
History comes alive when you bring the kids to meet President and Mrs. Lincoln. President Lincoln will talk about growing up in a log cabin, how he got his beard and the importance of never giving up on oneself. Stay after to celebrate Mr. Lincoln’s birthday with cake as well as presidential activities and books.
Presidents Day Celebration
When: Feb. 17
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
Discover the lives behind the legends of the American presidency through live music, family crafts and storytelling for kids. Special events include a performance by the Chicago Brass Band.
Lunch with the Lincolns
When: Feb. 22
Where: Hinsdale History Museum, 15 S. Clay St., Hinsdale
Meet President Lincoln and the First Lady at this interactive drop-off program. Recommended for children K-3rd grade.
Outside of Chicagoland
Springfield
Mentioned as one of the best Midwest destinations to visit with your family in 2020, Lincoln spent quite a lot of time in Springfield. Learn all about the 16th U.S. President at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum or see his home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, a four-block neighborhood restored as it was in Civil War America that includes his actual home. Other locations connected to the president is Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site and Lincoln Tomb.
Galena
Galena makes a great weekend getaway, but did you know that President Ulysses S. Grant also lived there? You can visit the Grant House to see how the Grants lived. There are also plenty of historic sites to see in Galena.
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