Tickets available for Illinois Lincoln program

OAKLAND, Ill. -- Tickets are now available for Trials and Tribulations: The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial program in Oakland, Ill., Sept. 18-19.

The innovative official Lincoln Bicentennial event combines first-person interpretation at two Oakland historic sites, an 1847 meal and the performance of "Three Fifths of a Man," an original drama written and directed by Dr. David Jorns.

Public presentations of the program are Friday and Saturday evenings from 4-8:30 p.m., and Saturday afternoon from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Participants should plan to attend the entire time to take advantage of the many activities that shed light on this trial and all its participants. Tickets are $25 per person and are limited.

Groups of 10 or more will receive a discounted admission price. Two special programs are being offered for school groups of fifth- through 12th-graders, Friday morning and early afternoon.

Call 217-508-9113 to reserve tickets for any presentation.

The event is sponsored by Independent Pioneer Village, Oakland Historical Foundation, Oakland Landmarks, City of Oakland and Oakland Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, log on to http://matson1847blogspot.com or e-mail trial.tribulations1847.gmail.com.