On Thursday, May 29 at 5:25 p.m., the Museum will dedicate a mural in downtown Bloomington that will celebrate Lincoln and his famous “Lost Speech.” The Illinois 33rd Regimental Band will perform a concert beginning at 4:45 p.m. on the east steps of the Museum. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show with the program to follow at 5:25 p.m. Local Lincoln Scholar Guy Fraker will provide remarks during the program.

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.

The mural, designed and painted by artist Troy Freeman from Freesky Studios will be located across the street from Major’s Hall, on the west facing wall of Rosie’s Pub, where Lincoln delivered his famous “Lost Speech. Major’s Hall no longer stands, but is now the site of the Lincoln Parking Garage on Front Street.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at Second Presbyterian Church. For more information, please visit mchistory.org.

Celebrate Flag Day and honor America's rich history and the spirit of community with us on **Saturday, June 14, 2025**! This year, as we mark **250 years since Paul Revere’s Ride, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the birth of the United States Army**, let's come together to celebrate unity, pride, and the joy of shared traditions.

**📍 Event Schedule:**
1️⃣ **Presentation on the Father of Flag Day**
🕐 **1:00 PM - 2:00 PM**
📌 **City Council Chambers, City Hall** (100 N Island Ave, Batavia, IL)
Dive into history with a captivating presentation about Bernard Cigrand, the Father of Flag Day, by Illinois author Tom Emery, featuring his new book *"Stories of Historic Illinois Women."* Sponsored by the **Batavia Historical Society**.

2️⃣ **Annual Flag Day Celebration at the Flag Day Monument**
🕑 **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM**
📌 **Flag Day Monument** (across from Batavia City Hall)
- Musical performances by the Batavia Community Band 🎶
- Inspirational speakers
- Unveiling of new personalized bricks
- Sealing of time capsules 🕰️
- Guided tours of the monument
Featuring special guests like the **Fox Valley Patriotic Organization**, **Sons, Daughters, and Children of the American Revolution**, **Knights of Columbus Honor Guard**, SAR **Color Guard**, Veterans, City of Batavia First Responders, and Scouts.
🌐 Visit [flagdaymonument.com](http://flagdaymonument.com) for details.

3️⃣ **Festivities at Batavia Overseas VFW Post 1197**
🕓 **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM**
📌 **VFW Post 1197** (645 S River Rd, Batavia, IL)
Wrap up the day with:
- Fun-filled games 🎯
- Mouthwatering food trucks 🍔
- Drinks at the remodeled VFW bar 🍹
- Presentations on American history
- Revolutionary War marches 🥁

🎉 This celebration isn’t just about history—it’s about **community pride**, **unity**, and **fun** for everyone! Bring your family and friends, and let’s honor the past while building connections for the future. Together, we’ll make this Flag Day unforgettable!
#BataviaFlagDay #FlagDayCelebration #America250 #CommunityUnity #FunForAll #BataviaIllinois #HistoricalEvents

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra lowers the curtain on our 48th season by celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This Semiquincentennial celebration features music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, John Philip Sousa and concludes with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. This paid/ticketed event is being performed by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Palos Heights, IL on May 16th, 2026.

Tickets: https://ipomusic.org/2025-26-season/