On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. author and historian Guy Fraker will trace the influence of the Declaration of Independence on Abraham Lincoln's career, and how Lincoln viewed this document as the moral foundation of the nation and central to Lincoln's belief in democracy. This free, public program will be held at the Activity & Recreation Center in Normal.
In addition to publishing two books about Abraham Lincoln and the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Fraker has written and spoken extensively about Abraham Lincoln, not only in the State of Illinois, but at a variety of venues across the country. Additionally, he was a consultant on and participant in Abraham Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency, an award-winning nationally distributed documentary produced by WILL-TV (PBS). Fraker was also advisor to the Museum’s permanent exhibit Abraham Lincoln in McLean County and co-curator of Prologue to the Presidency, a permanent exhibit at the David Davis Mansion Historic Site. Currently, Fraker continues to contribute to a variety of periodicals, on a wide range of Lincoln topics. He is co-chairman of the New Salem Committee of the Abraham Lincoln Association, which is working with other partners to rejuvenate and revitalize the iconic Lincoln site.
Questions? or for more information, please contact the Education Department at education@mchistory.org or 309-827-0428.