Voices from the Past brings history to life through costumed actors assuming the intriguing characters of McLean County’s ancestors in the beautiful grounds of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the people who contributed to central Illinois’ colorful history. Bring your family to participate in this fascinating, award-winning outdoor theater program.

A collaboration between the McLean County Museum of History, Illinois Voices Theatre and Evergreen Memorial Cemetery

Jesse Fell (b. November 10, 1808, d. February 25, 1887) and Judge David Davis (b. March 9, 1815, d. June 16, 1886) Fell, who helped persuade Lincoln to run for the presidency, and Davis, who served as Lincoln’s campaign manager, celebrate the future president’s nomination.
Rose Whipp Northrup (b. September 27, 1850, d. July 23, 1944) She met Lincoln when she was a little girl and has warm memories about the man who became president.
 Edward J. Lewis (b. September 25, 1828, d. November 3, 1907) This former editor of Bloomington’s newspaper, The Daily Pantagraph, reveals his role in the momentous events leading up to the Civil War, including a fist fight in downtown Bloomington with a rival newspaper editor.
Allen Withers (b. January 21, 1807, d. March 3, 1864) and Sarah Rice Withers (b. October 5, 1815, d. January 4, 1897) Moving to McLean County from the South, pragmatic businessman Allen must find a way to continue doing business with Lincoln supporters while his wife tries to stay socially connected because of her negative attitudes towards Lincoln.
Ezra Morton Prince (b. May 27, 1831, d. August 28, 1908) One of the founders of the McLean County Historical Society and an enemy of Southern sympathizers, he will disclose the personal side of the humorous Abraham Lincoln.
Sarah Woodruff Walker Davis (b. September 4, 1814, d. November 9, 1879) Wife of David Davis, a cultured, genteel woman who found her life directly affected by Lincoln’s assassination.
Emily Hanks Loomis (b. October 18, 1837, d. February 12, 1911) Daughter of John Hanks, a close cousin of Abraham Lincoln, she will proudly proclaim her family relationship to the President.
Simon B. Malone (b. December 18, 1842, d. January 16, 1925) and Alpheus Holden Pike (b. August 14, 1846, d. November 24, 1892) Survivors of the social system and War that divided the nation, they will share their harrowing experiences as a fugitive slave (Malone) and captivity in the notorious Southern prison camp, Andersonville (Pike).

Join us for the 2009 Discovery Walk!