Lady Frederick Play
April 26-27, 7PM
April 28, 2PM
$15/$10 for SAA members
Enjoy a night at the theater in our historic house museum. This year's play is "Lady Frederick", a comedy by the British writer William Somerset Maugham, written early in his career. The play was first seen in London in 1907, and was very successful, running for 422 performances. In the play, Lady Frederick is an Irish widow, seriously in debt; she must deal with suitors who have various motives for proposing marriage, and with the man with whom she once had an affair. This play is directed by Mark Buckholz.
Jane Austen Tea
May 4, 1PM
$45/$40 for SAA members
Learn about popular tea customs, while participating in a special program focused on Jane Austen, author of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Themes in the past have included "Little Women" and Storybook Garden. This event includes tea, tea foods, gifts, and original programming.
History Comes Alive
Ice Cream Socials with Abe and Mary
Wednesdays in June and July
Every Wednesday in the summer, we host Abraham and Mary Lincoln at Edwards Place for an outdoor ice cream social. Meet our 16th president and first lady while enjoying a free cup of ice cream provided by Visit Springfield on the porch of this historic house museum. Plus, the Springfield Municipal Band will keep guests entertained with their repertoire of music.
Tequila Tasting
June 14, 7PM
$40/$35 for SAA members
At this summer tequila tasting, we will feature a curated selection of tequilas, along with a historical introduction by curator Sarah. The tasting will be led by Dr. Nathan Steele and will also feature light snacks and desserts. You won’t want to miss this tasting – these events are packed with fun! The tasting will be $40/$35 for SAA members. We would like to thank our sponsor, Roger Huebner, for his generosity in supporting our tastings.
.jpg)
Hoopskirt and Haber-Dash 5k Fun Run
August 24, 8AM
$30 to participate
Race back to the 19th century in the Hoopskirt and Haber-Dash. This is a 5K fun run where you can dress like you just stepped out of a haberdashery in hat and tie, or that you just made your debut in the biggest hoopskirt you can find! The course is a mostly flat course in Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield, Illinois, through Enos Park neighborhood, north through Lincoln Park, and back down again. Fun costuming is encouraged, with a prize for the best dressed of the bunch. After the run, stick around for historical activities.
Unsolved at the Edwards Soiree
Murder Mystery Dinner
October 18-19, 6:30PM
October 20, 4:30PM
$65/$60 for SAA members
At Edwards Place Murder Mystery dinner theatre, guests will help to solve a dastardly murder. You will interact with a motley crew of suspects to discover which of them committed the crime, all while enjoying a themed, catered meal. This year's theme is based off of our popular "Unsolved" board game, and follows suspects from the mid-19th century as they attend a soiree hosted by A. P. "Red" DeClaws. The show is written in-house and includes a dozen community members as actors and as director.
This event is for 21+ ages only.
Holiday Open House
First Saturday in December
This event is a free open house, giving guests a chance to see Edwards Place in holiday finery, while listening (and singing!) carols around a piano once heard by Abraham Lincoln and meeting a Civil War era Santa Claus. Refreshments are provided.
Cozy Winter Holiday Tea
December 14, 1PM
$45/$40 for SAA members
Learn about popular tea customs, while participating in a special program based on the storybooks by Jan Brett, which feature beautiful illustrations of winter scenes. This event includes tea, tea foods, gifts, and original programming. Tea is from Whimsy Tea Company and food from Copper Pot Cooking Studio.
Annual Events:
Historical Fashion Show
This biennial event focuses on specific topics in fashion history, giving a wide range of examples through its timeline. Experience this fashion show like the first fashion shows of Paris, before Fashion Week took over with the exciting lights and sounds we have today. These were intimate affairs where one could get close and personal with the clothing to see the construction and detail.
Victorian Game Night
This event teaches the card and dice games of the past to game lovers of the present. Guests will discover that these games hold up as delightful entertainment for a night with friends or family. Enjoy "gambling" at the tables, and the top performers will receive prizes! Games included: Vingt-et-un, Whist, Triga, Hazard, Poker, and SNAP. This event includes hors d'oeuvres and beer and wine.
This event is for ages 21+ only.