The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a special presentation to honor the iconic civil rights leader.
Actor Reggie Guyton will recite Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech on January 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the museum’s plaza.
King originally delivered the speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C. He praised Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation as “a great beacon of hope” but said African Americans were still chained by segregation and discrimination.
After the speech... stop by the Illinois Gallery to see our copy of the Emancipation Proclamation on display and join ALPLM 19th Century Historian Dr. Racquel Henry for an informal “Four Score and More” presentation at 11:15 a.m. She will discuss the connections between King’s speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Lincoln Memorial, then answer questions from visitors.
Both presentations are included in your regular museum admission.
Also happening at ALPLM on MLK Day...
Be sure to visit the Illinois Gallery to see the ALPLM-produced exhibit that serves as a companion to the ALPLM-created book entitled “Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 objects” published by Rizzoli – ALPLM will celebrate its 20th anniversary by providing an insightful approach to interpreting the 16th President and highlighting many of ALPLM’s most treasured artifacts. While most histories of Abraham Lincoln concentrate on telling the stories of his life while using artifacts to reinforce those stories this book seeks to reverse that trend by telling the stories of the artifacts and demonstrating how they allow us to relate to Lincoln and his contemporaries.
The stunning photography of the books featured artifacts, taken by Chicago-based art photographer, Maxwell Johnson, are celebrated through large dramatic murals that fill the gallery walls.
Martin Luther King Jr Day is considered a Day of Service...
Please consider rolling up your sleeve to give the gift of life and join us at the ALPLM Community Drive between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The ImpactLife Blood Mobile will be parked in front of the museum entrance at 212 North Sixth Street.
It costs you nothing but gives so much: the act of donating blood requires minimal time and effort, yet the impact it has on others is immeasurable.
By donating, you can directly contribute to the well-being of your community and be a part of a life-saving network.
ImpactLife is the sole supplier of blood to Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, and other local hospitals. Donating blood at this drive is a great way to give back to our community!
It’s easy to schedule a donation appointment by clicking HERE!
Skating in Union Square Park...
The ALPLM will offer skating in Union Square Park from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on MLK Day, along with FREE hot chocolate for skaters.
Just stop into historic Union Station to grab a pair of skates. Skating will be offered free of charge, but a donation is suggested to help defray the cost of skate maintenance.