Living History Days Festival

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 (Evening)

— Wildey Theatre Concert – “Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials” (8 p.m) 252 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. Master bluesman Lil’ Ed Williams and his band have mastered the real American Blues…Chicago style! Celebrating 24 years together, this band has a big sound that includes some Boogie style performed with an infectious joy! Admission: $25

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Note: There is ample approved parking for MCHS campus events at the Eden Church parking lot one-half block north of the Madison County Archival Library.

— Native American Craft Demonstrators (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) MCHS Campus, 715 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. Skilled artisans demonstrate finger weaving, bow making, flint knapping (stone tool making) and leather tanning on the grounds of the Madison County History Museum. There will also be displays of arrows, spears, atlatls, and furs. Experts will be on hand to identify Native American artifacts and an informational storyboard on the recent Chip-A-Canoe Experimental Archaeological Research Project will be on site. Free admission.

— Vintage Vehicle Exhibit (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) MCHS Campus- 707 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. Stop by to see an assortment of vintage vehicles including tractors, trucks and automobiles from an earlier time. Free admission.

— MCHS Library and Museum (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 715-801 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. Open House. Free admission.

— St. Andrew’s Fall Quilt Display (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 406 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville. Docents will be on hand to guide visitors through a large collection of historic, modern, and art quilts displayed in the historic St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. An informational display featuring Quilts of Valor will be included. Free admission, but donations appreciated.

— Children’s Museum Outdoor Games (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) 722 Holyoake Road, Edwardsville. Free programming featuring outdoor toys and games played by children in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Outdoor games free; Museum admission: $8/person

— The Nickel Plate RR Station (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Troy Road, Edwardsville. Visit the historic Nickel Plate filled with creative exhibits and play stations to engage children of all ages. Displays include a replica of a Nickel Plate train car, a unique hand-made train table, and a photographic timeline of the station’s history. Don’t miss the new “Stories from the Nickel Plate” Exhibit! Free admission.

— Yanda Log Cabin Day (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) 148 S. Main Street, Glen Carbon. Celebrate Glen Carbon’s early years with local craft and food vendors, living history, and family fun activities. Free admission.

— “Voices of Our Past” (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) Woodlawn Cemetery, 1400 St. Louis Street, Edwardsville. “Voices” celebrates both the history of Edwardsville and the legacy of Woodlawn Cemetery as told through story and song by the Alumni Players! Admission includes a walking tour of the historic cemetery by docents followed by a one-hour (seated) performance where reenactors share stories reflecting the lives of some of Woodlawn Cemetery’s most interesting residents. Tickets are available at www.woodlawnedwardsville.org. Admission $20 adults/$10 under12.

— Vintage Base Ball Game (12:30 to 4 p.m.) Winston Brown Recreation Complex, 1325 Schiller Avenue, Edwardsville. The Belleville Stags will battle the St. Louis Brown Stockings in a game of “base ball,” played using the rules established in 1860 when “swearing, spitting and sliding” were considered taboo. Children are invited to batting practice 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. ($5 donation suggested). Concessions available. Free admission.

— Wildey Theatre Concert – “Heartsfield” (7:30 p.m.) 252 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. After more than a half-century performing their special blend of Americana-based music covering Southern rock, Country, and Folk music, Heartfield still knows how to “wow” an audience. Their unique blend of harmonies accompanied by guitars, mandolin, harmonica, and banjo result in what can only be described as “good times” music.” Admission: $35-$40.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

— The Nickel Plate RR Station (1 – 4 p.m.) Visit the historic Nickel Plate filled with creative exhibits and play stations to engage children of all ages. Displays include a replica of a Nickel Plate train car, a unique hand-made train table, and a photographic timeline of the station’s history. Don’t miss the new “Stories from the Nickel Plate” Exhibit! Free admission.

— A Chautauqua with Abraham Lincoln and Friends (1 – 4 p.m.) Edwardsville City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street, Edwardsville. The Chautauqua movement brought learning, culture and entertainment to small towns and villages of America. This year Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglas will visit Edwardsville. Live music and vendors contribute to the festive atmosphere of this Chautauqua. Free admission.