Cards commemorate Black leaders interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery

SPRINGFIELD – Every guest who visits the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site during Black History Month in February will receive a set of four new history education cards featuring Black leaders who are interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.

“At the Abraham Lincoln Tomb historic site, visitors are surrounded by great leaders in history, and we have a responsibility to help our guests connect to key people, places and time periods,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “The education cards are a great way to spark interest and encourage guests of all ages to learn more about Illinois and U.S. history.”

The education cards display an image and inspiring summary of the following Black leaders for everyone to learn from and celebrate. The following leaders are highlighted, including their gravesite location:

• Lewis Martin escaped slavery and enlisted in the Union Army. Block 4, 2, 22.
• Eva Carroll Monroe dedicated her life to helping Black children. Block 40, Range A, Grave 17, Section 1.
• Anderson Holman created affordable housing at a time when many people faced discrimination. Block 24, Section 3, 10, 59.
• Charles Lockhart was a leader in fire safety for more than 35 years. Block 40 A/B.

“The new education cards build upon our popular Walk, Hike, and Bike History programs in Oak Ridge Cemetery and demonstrate another way our agency is creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors. Everyone can connect to history and nature through IDNR,” said Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages Springfield’s state historic sites, including the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

History cards will be available for free at the Lincoln Tomb to all guests until Feb. 28. Families, schools, and organizations unable to visit the site may request sets of education cards by e-mailing [email protected].

The Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of Abraham and Mary Lincoln and three of their four sons, is open for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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• Lincoln Tomb distributing new education cards during Black History Month
• Education Cards JPEG