Springfield

This past weekend I had a whirlwind trip to Springfield, IL for my book signing at the Lincoln Home NHS.  Leaving Ruther Glen on Thursday evening I arrived in Springfield, IL early Friday evening.  The only hiccup during the drive was getting stuck at a rest stop in Indiana for 25 minutes during a ferocious thunderstorm.  After checking into the hotel, my parents and I rushed out to the Lincoln tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Unfortunately, the tomb had already closed.  

The next morning we arrived bright and early back at Oak Ridge Cemetery and was able to tour the tomb.  Since 2011 every time I visit the tomb I bring flowers for Abraham and Mary Lincoln and was allowed to lay the flowers in front of President Lincoln's cenotaph.  There were already several arrangements commemorating the anniversaries of the passing of Tad and Mary Lincoln on July 15th (Tad) and July 16th (Mary).  President Lincoln in buried in the burial room near the massive marble cenotaph and is protected from grave robbers by several tons of concrete and steel.  Mary Lincoln and three of her sons (Eddie, Willie, and Tad) and also entombed in the burial room in a wall crypt across from the President's.

President Lincoln's cenotaph in the burial room.  The flowers that I left are the small bouquets on the floor.  

Leaving the flowers for the Lincolns.

After leaving the tomb, it was time to head to the Lincoln Home NHS for my book signing.  I had a wonderful time.  It was wonderful to talk to visitors from around the country and the world and sign copies of my book.  

The staff at Eastern National provided me a lovely table for the book signing and even gave me gift bag!

Dave Mull made me feel welcomed at the Lincoln Home NHS.

Signing copies of "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House

Mary Lincoln (aka Pam Brown) even stopped by during my event!  Pam Brown is the premier Mary Lincoln living history presenter in the US.  Her programs at the Lincoln Home as part of the summer History Comes Alive is a must see!

History Comes Alive

It was a memorable weekend.