Looking for Lincoln Stories

Henry Stevenson spent 50 years of his life enslaved and 50 years as a freeman. Listen to his account of his unconventional path to freedom. This narrative is based on Henry Steven’s own description of his life recorded in 1895. This episode is narrated by Vanessa Ferguson and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Intro and...

Discover the Little’s courageous journey to Canada told in their own words.  As part of their route north John and Eliza walked from near Cairo, Illinois all the way to Chicago in search of freedom.     This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenburg and Chrissy Mauck. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by U...

This episode tells the story from his perspective as an enslaved man from Missouri seeking freedom. His journey to liberty brought him through Illinois, and its subsequent events became news across the nation. The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined. This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenberg. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heat...

Lydia was an enslaved woman who fought for her freedom in the Illinois and Missouri court systems.  She gained freedom only to be kidnapped back into slavery, not once, but twice.  Learn about this incredible woman, and her efforts to win and keep her freedom, for herself and her children.   This episode is narrated by Patricia James Davis. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by...

This is a dramatized account of a freedom seeker who fled slavery in Missouri in search of liberty in Canada, the challenges that befell him, and his legal fight against extradition to the United States. The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined, and incorporates details recounted by John Anderson and other sources. This episode is narrated by: Connor Cantral...

Helping those fleeing slavery was illegal in Illinois, and if caught, perpetrators could be prosecuted severely.  Learn Dr. Eells story in this first-person narrative, and how his tribulations connect to our politicians even today. This episode is narrated by Joe Crain. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported b...

A fascinating story of a Canadian born black man who chose to leave the safety of Canada to help freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois. This narrative uses the actual words written by George Burroughs and reflects the times in which he lived. This episode is narrated by Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and ed...

Discover how women in Springfield, Illinois organized during the Civil War to assist the boys in blue providing food, clothing, bandages and other necessities during the war. Narration was provided by, Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific. Music - Epidemic So...

Augustus Tolton pursued the priesthood despite facing prejudice and many obstacles.  Formerly enslaved, Tolton’s life was one of hardship and self-less service to humanity and God. Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actors, Tony Young and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This program was supported by Unio...

In March 1864 a riot between Copperheads and Union troops broke out in Charleston, Illinois sparking concern that this could mark the start of a large-scale uprising in the North. Discover the causes of this turmoil and what happened in its aftermath. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is narrated by: Jock Hedblade, th...

In this episode, you will learn about the life of Albert Cashier, a Civil War hero with a fascinating past.  Cashier fought valiantly with the 95th Illinois Infantry Regiment, and many years later the regiment would rally to Albert Cashier’s defense. Narration was provided by Meredith Vogel-Thomas. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble...

This is a dramatized account of John Hossack, who stood trial in 1860 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. Hossack was accused of helping an enslaved person gain his freedom in Ottawa, Illinois. The narrative is based on court documents using the actual words spoken during the trial. Our narrator, Robert Hitt, is a fictional observer who helps bring the real-life historic characters to life. Narr...

Springfield, Illinois had a vibrant African American Community during the time Abraham Lincoln lived in the city. This episode highlights his relationship with four African Americans in the community. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.  Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton. This episode was funded in...

“Free” Frank McWorter was a man with ambition, dedication, guts and a burning desire for freedom for himself and others. He was the first African American in the nation to plat and legally registered a town. Learn how “Free” Frank established an integrated community on the Illinois prairie and bought the freedom of more than a dozen people from slavery. The episode was written by David Blanchette,...

In this episode, you will learn about a young freedom seekers harrowing flight from southern Illinois to Knox County, Illinois, and the twists and turns on her journey to self-emancipation. Assisted by abolitionists and anti-slavery activists, Susan’s story highlights that even though Illinois was a free state, aspects of slavery still existed within its borders. The episode was written by David B...

Learn about the events and efforts of a small group of African American citizens from Atlanta, Illinois, who hosted an area-wide BBQ celebration at their local fairgrounds. The event noted the 12th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to the enslaved people of the United States. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by St...