Lincoln-Hanks Wedding Anniversary Celebration

A performance of the outdoor drama, "Dearly Beloved: The Vows of a Lincoln Legacy," was held at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 14, 2008 at Lincoln Homestead State Park in Springfield. The event marked the 202nd anniversary of the marriage of Abraham Lincoln’s parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks on June 12, 1806.

In addition to the wedding ceremony, there were historical speakers throughout the day including Dr. Thomas Walker, Governor Isaac Shelby, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. 

The American Experience was also part of the day's activities. The American Experience was designed to give visitors a look at what America was like in early 1800’s when Lincoln’s parents were married.  Some of the activities and interpretations included a wool spinner, flint napper, “Jack and Mattie” common stock people, quoits and tomahawk throwing, rail splitters and more.  Children’s activities including corn shuck dolls and flowers, games, as well as period music were also included in the day's events. 

For information and directions to Lincoln Homestead State Park, go to www.parks.ky.gov or call 859-336-7461. The official site of the Lincoln-Hanks Wedding Bicentennial is www.lincolnhanks.net.