TCHPP, Inc.

04/28/2026

We are so excited to welcome Cairo native Arlene Nicole Irish as the newest member of our TCHPP, Inc. board of directors! A CHS 1995 grad, Arlene currently lives in Virginia and serves as the Assistant Portfolio Manager /Financial Manager for Combat Support Services with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. However, she is a frequent visitor to Cairo and still enjoys deep family and community ties in her hometown. Nicole states, "...Cairo has always remained home in my heart. I care deeply about its history and want to be part of building a stronger future for the next generation..." To learn more of her heart for Cairo and how she hopes TCHPP, Inc. will benefit the city, head over to the "Meet the Board" page and scroll down: https://www.historicalcairo.com/meet-the-board

04/22/2026

We would like to congratulate SIU journalism professor Julia Rendleman on her recent Tenure/Tenure-Track 2026 Teaching Excellence Award presented by Chancellor Austin A. Lane. Julia has been a great friend of TCHPP, and is also a member of the Cairo African American Heritage Trail team (CAAHT). Kudos, Julia!

04/09/2026

Be sure and stop by the Cairo Public Library by April 28 to see “Journey to Freedom,” a fascinating exhibit sponsored by Looking For Lincoln. You’ll meet resilient freedom seekers Eliza & John Little, and learn about the role Illinois and its citizens played during the Underground Railroad. Normal hours are 9:30-4:30, with extended hours until 7 pm on Thursday, April 9 and Tuesday, April 21.

04/05/2026

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter from The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc!

03/28/2026

Thank you, FarmWeekNow, for giving us the opportunity to share about Historical Cairo!

03/28/2026

It was a Civil Rights pilgrimage of a life time for several Cairo High, Sumner, Meridian and Century alumni last weekend when they retraced the famous 1965 voting rights protest route from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. TCHPP’s Don Patton, his brother-in-law Norman Seavers, and friends James and Sally Dumas biked the 51 miles from the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge to the state capital to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the marches. Joining the riders to cheer them on along the 4 hour route were Karla Patton and Carla Brown. What an accomplishment!

03/11/2026

Local historian and Cairo native Darrel Dexter will be presenting a program entitled “Tracing the Geneology of John Willis Menard” this Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 am. Hosted by John E. Logan College in Carterville, this free event commemorates National Geneology Day and is open to the public.

03/03/2026

Need a lawyer? Call the Cairo IL Public Library and make an appointment for a free consultation on Wednesday, March 11!

Do You Need to Speak to a Lawyer? Call 618-734-1840 to schedule an appointment; there are four 30 slots are available.