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.

4:45 p.m. – Preconcert of period Civil War music: 33rd Illinois Regimental Reenactment Band

5:25 p.m. – “Hail to the Chief”: Comments from Mr. Lincoln [impersonator] & Museum Leadership

5:35 p.m. – History of the Mural Project/coloring contest winners: Norris Porter, Director of Development (MCMH)

5:45 p.m. – Thoughts surrounding the “Lost Speech”: Guy Fraker, local Lincoln Scholar 

6:00 p.m. – Playing of Dixie and promenade with Mr. Lincoln from the Museum to the mural (1 block)

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