COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site will host two programs in honor of America's 250th birthday.
Historian and musician Bucky Halker will present a musical program focused on the life and songs of folk singer Woody Guthrie at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The program blends live guitar and vocal performances with historical commentary about Guthrie’s life and the social issues reflected in his music.
On Saturday, April 25, chef and educator Lori Parrett will present “The Frosted Republic,” a program examining Illinois’ role in shaping American cake and dessert traditions. Using slides, vintage imagery and edible artifacts, Parrett will trace connections from early decorating classes by Wilton Brands to the influence of Duncan Hines and the Sara Lee bakery of Downers Grove. The presentation will start at 10 a.m.
The presentations, through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, go along with the theme “We the People” promoted by the Illinois America 250 Commission.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site preserves the 1840s home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The site is located about eight miles south of Charleston and 14 miles southeast of Mattoon.
The events are produced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation.
For more information about these or other events, call 217-345-1845, email info@lincolnlogcabin.org or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
