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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Visit Springfield is accepting student submissions for a Gettysburg Address Speech Contest as part of their 15th Annual History Comes Alive (HCA) event.
The contest is open to all third to eighth grade students. 10 students will be chosen to present President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address on the steps of the historic Old State Capitol during HCA this summer.
“It was our aim in creating this opportunity to connect young people to the past while honoring Abraham Lincoln’s legacy,” Tourism Manager Darrin Thurman said. “We hope the experience inspires a fresh curiosity for history while empowering students in the creation of their own. I can’t wait to witness these performances this summer.”
To enter, students must email darrin.thurman@springfield.il.us with:
- Their name.
- Their parents’ or guardians’ names.
- Their email and phone number.
- A YouTube video of them performing the speech.
- One to two paragraphs on an attached word document stating what the Gettysburg Address means to them.
- Acknowledgement of responsibility for travel and meal expenses, if selected.
On top of presenting their speeches at the Old State Capitol, selected students and their families will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the Lincoln Home Historic Site, and a meet-and-greet with Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln portraitist.
They will also get a complimentary overnight hotel stay courtesy of the Illinois Educators Credit Union (IECU).
“IECU is proud to sponsor the HCA Gettysburg Speech Contest,” said Jody Dabrowski, Chief Executive Officer of the IECU. “As a small business located in Springfield, whose focus is on serving educators throughout our great state, highlighting the rich history of our city with learning was a perfect match for us. We are looking forward to hearing the winners and hosting their families this summer.”
April 1 is the deadline for submissions. Winners will be notified by email on April 8. For more information on this contest and the HCA event, visit
History Comes Alive will run from May 31 – Aug. 4. The summer event features historic portrayals at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Herndon Law Office Visitors Center, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Attendees can visit with iconic U.S. figures, listen to live music from the Municipal Band, and enjoy an ice cream social at Edwards Place. The 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated will also conduct a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb.
