Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park Hosts Sean of the South as Part of Freedom 250 Commemoration

HODGENVILLE, Ky. - As the nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to explore the enduring ideals of liberty, equality and self-government through its Freedom 250 Connections event series. On Saturday, Sept. 26, nationally acclaimed writer and performer Sean Dietrich, better known as "Sean of the South," will bring those themes to life through an evening of music, storytelling and humor. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT at the park's Birthplace Unit.

"As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on the ideals of liberty, equality and self-government that shaped America's founding and that Abraham Lincoln worked to preserve," said Superintendent Joshua Manley. "Sean Dietrich's performance brings those enduring ideals to life through music and storytelling, offering visitors a meaningful way to connect with America's story."

Sean Dietrich is a nationally recognized columnist, humorist, musician and storyteller whose work celebrates the people and traditions of the American South. His writing has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden & Gun and Reader's Digest, and has been featured on The Today Show. He is the author of 18 books, has written more than 4,000 newspaper columns, hosts the popular Sean of the South podcast and regularly performs his one-man show for audiences across the country.

Through music, humor and heartfelt storytelling, Dietrich celebrates the traditions and experiences that have shaped generations of Americans. Many of the songs featured during the performance are songs Abraham Lincoln would have known during his lifetime, offering visitors a window into the cultural world that influenced one of the nation's most significant leaders and the ideals he carried forward.

Accessible parking for the event will be at the Birthplace Visitor Center Parking Lot. All other attendees will park at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, where complimentary shuttle service will transport visitors to the Birthplace Unit. Shuttle services will begin from the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School parking lot the day of the concert at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and hand-carried coolers. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the park.

The event is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Reserve tickets through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connections-an-evening-with-sean-of-the-south-tickets-1992848002020?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park's Freedom 250 Connections series is part of the park's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Throughout 2026, the park is offering programs and events that explore the connections between Abraham Lincoln's life and the enduring ideals of the American Revolution, including liberty, equality, self-government and democratic participation. Visitors are invited to discover how Lincoln helped preserve and advance those founding principles for future generations.

The National Park Service is helping lead the nation's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Across the country, national parks are hosting hundreds of programs, events and exhibits in support of Executive Order 14189, which calls for a celebration worthy of this historic milestone. These experiences invite the public to reflect on our country's remarkable journey and connect with the people, places and stories that shaped the nation.