Springfield's Lincoln Colored Home

Program Type:

In-Person Program, Online Program

Age Group:

Adult
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Untold African American Stories:
Springfield's Lincoln Colored Home

As the capital of Illinois, Springfield has many well-known historical figures and landmarks. A closer look reveals a hidden history full of untold stories which define the African American experience. One such story involves Eva Carroll Monroe and her founding of the Lincoln Colored Home.

A seemingly ordinary vacant brick building with shuttered windows sits on South 12th Street. This building once served as the first orphanage in the nation for African American children and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. In the late 1800s, Black children were not allowed to reside in any of the city's three operating orphanages. Eva Carroll Monroe recognized a need and made it her mission to open the Lincoln Colored Home with a down payment of just $125.

Join presenter Mary Frances as she discusses the history behind the Lincoln Colored Home and the previously unknown personal and professional life of Eva Carroll Monroe. This presentation is based on Frances' documentary film Eva Carroll Monroe and the Lincoln Colored Home. A Q&A session will follow.

Mary Frances is an independent historian and documentarian focusing on untold African American stories in Springfield, Illinois. She recently published a book, African Americans in Springfield, and frequently publishes in Illinois State Historical Society's magazine -- Illinois Heritage. Illinois Humanities designated her a 2023-2024 Road Scholar. 

This program is presented in partnership with Illinois Humanities and McLean County Museum of History. Attend this program in person in the second floor courtroom at the McLean County Museum of History or watch it live-streamed through the Museum’s YouTube channel at McLean County Museum of History - YouTube.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Sara at reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.

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lllinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA)], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, IACA, our partnering organizations, or our funders.