History comes to life in Edwardsville during the annual Living History Days Festival Oct. 2-4. Meet Hooper Warren, an Edwardsville newspaper editor and abolitionist or Dolley Madison, the wife of America's fourth president. There will also be an appearance by Elijah Lovejoy, a Presbyterian minister and newspaper editor from Alton. In addition to the re-enactors, there will be live music, hands-on activities for children, and demonstrations.

Enjoy the fun over three days at different historical venues in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon including the Madison County Historical Society, Edwardsville Public Library, Edwardsville Children's Museum, 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, Glen Carbon Heritage Museum and the Wildey Theatre.

Here's a look at what you can expect during the festival:

Friday, Oct. 2

• The Col. Benjamin Stephenson House will have special activities on the grounds of the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although there is a charge to visit the main house, access to the kitchen, gardens and outdoor activities are free during Living History Days.
• YesSongs - a tribute band for the classic rock group Yes will play at The Wildey Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at The Wildey Theatre.

Saturday, Oct. 3

• Special activities will continue at the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Edwardsville Public Library will hold its annual Book Fair at City Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with more than 60 vendors showcasing both new and used books. Meet local authors and have them sign their published works. Note: The Goshen Community Market will be held on the street around the library from 8 a.m. to Noon.
• Yanda Log Cabin in Glen Carbon will be open with demonstrations, toe-tapping music, house tours, festival foods and crafters from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Edwardsville Children's Museum will offer free outdoor activities and access to the Nickel Plate Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Black Magic: The Santana Experience will take the stage at the Wildey Theatre for a great evening of musical entertainment at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.

Sunday, Oct. 4

• Living History Days caps off the festival with a Chautauqua from 1 p.m. ti 4 p.m. at Edwardsville City Park. There will be live music, craft vendors, a used book sale and three re-enactors portraying local historical figures including:
  • Hooper Warren - an Edwardsville newspaper editor and abolitionist who forwarded the cause in the pages of the Edwardsville Spectator.
  • Dolley Madison - the wife of President James Madison. Dolley is credited with influencing political parties to work together through social entertainments held at the White House. She is considered one of the Top 10 most influential first ladies. She was also a cousin of Edwards Coles.
  • Elijah P. Lovejoy - a Presbyterian minister, newspaper editor and fervent abolitionist who was killed in 1837 by a mob while protecting his printing press.