SPRINGFIELD - The reasons behind the infamous 1908 riots that rocked Illinois' state capital, the history that followed, and how race relations remain an issue a century later are at the heart of a current exhibit in Springfield and talks planned this fall in the capital and Bloomington.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers in-depth analysis of the three-day riot with its exhibit, "Something so Horrible: The Springfield, Illinois, Race Riot of 1908." It runs through October.

Using artifacts, photos, news reports and oral histories, the exhibit walks visitors through the tragic weekend in Illinois history, and how it led to the birth of the nation's pre-eminent civil rights organization - the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"It presents a chapter in our history that most people would like to forget, but that we must remember so that we can avoid repeating those mistakes," said museum spokesman David Blanchette.

Some artifacts include period rifles and bayonets from the state militia (now called the National Guard), a Ku Klux Klan robe, and a piece of the tree from which one of riot victims was hanged, said Blanchette.

The museum's exhibit isn't the only place to learn about the riot.

About 15 years ago, the city created the "1908 Race Riot Walking Tour." Markers are placed at the 1908 Sangamon County Jail locations and at seven other downtown spots, including the two where a mob lynched Scott Burton and William Donnegan.

Following are other museum events tied to the "Something so Horrible" exhibit. All events are free, unless noted. Learn more at www.PresidentLincoln.org or call (217) 558-8934.

- Aug. 16: Symposium on "The Story of 'Something So Horrible' exhibit;" 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; reservations required.

- Aug. 16-Oct. 31: "In 1908…," a sculptural archive, from artist Brian Gillis; companion piece to exhibit featuring audio, video and primary source artifacts.

- Sept. 11, Roberta Senechal de la Roche. Book signing and discussion of "In Lincoln's Shadow: The 1908 Race Riot in Springfield, Illinois," 7 p.m., Union Theater. Also, three panel discussions of the book lead to her capstone lecture, including: Aug. 21, "The History: Chronology of the Riot;" Aug. 28, "The People/Players: Community, Rioters and Victims;" and Sept. 4, "The Aftermath: Retrospective and Reconciliation."

w Oct. 10, Morris Dees. Lecture by civil rights activist and co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center., 7 p.m., Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center; in conjunction with the NAACP's Illinois annual conference. Nonconference seats are $10. Illinois State University Police Chief Ron Swan also will discuss the riots during the conference.

- Oct. 23, Paula Giddings. Book signing and discussion of "Ida: A Sword Among Lions: Ida B. Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching," 7 p.m., Union Theater.

- Oct. 23, Swan headlines the Twin Cities' NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet at the Parke Hotel, Bloomington. He'll discuss "From the Ashes of Tragedy: The Birth of the NAACP."