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On this day in 1983, the first cellular phone call was made outside of Soldier Field in Chicago. To learn more, visit il...
10/13/2026

On this day in 1983, the first cellular phone call was made outside of Soldier Field in Chicago.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

Happy birthday to our recently retired executive director, William Furry!! Hope you have a fantastic day!
10/13/2026

Happy birthday to our recently retired executive director, William Furry!! Hope you have a fantastic day!

OTD in 1898, the Virden Massacre occurred in the midst of a labor dispute in Virden.To learn more, visit ilstatehistoric...
10/12/2026

OTD in 1898, the Virden Massacre occurred in the midst of a labor dispute in Virden.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1995, University of Chicago economics professor Robert E. Lucas won the Nobel Prize in Economics for havi...
10/10/2026

On this day in 1995, University of Chicago economics professor Robert E. Lucas won the Nobel Prize in Economics for having transformed macroeconomic analysis.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1924, Municipal Grant Park Stadium, later renamed Soldier Field, hosted its first event (a police athleti...
10/09/2026

On this day in 1924, Municipal Grant Park Stadium, later renamed Soldier Field, hosted its first event (a police athletic meet) with roughly 90,000 spectators.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1871, what became to be known as the Great Chicago Fire began.To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsocie...
10/08/2026

On this day in 1871, what became to be known as the Great Chicago Fire began.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held their fifth historic U.S. Senate debate in Galesburg, I...
10/07/2026

On this day in 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held their fifth historic U.S. Senate debate in Galesburg, Illinois, drawing an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators to Knox College.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1945, tavern owner “Billy Goat” Sianis buys a seat for his goat for Game 4 of the Baseball World Series, ...
10/06/2026

On this day in 1945, tavern owner “Billy Goat” Sianis buys a seat for his goat for Game 4 of the Baseball World Series, is escorted out, and casts a goat curse on the Chicago Cubs that would last until 2016.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

Happy birthday to our interim executive director Dave Joens!! We are so glad you are a part of our staff!
10/05/2026

Happy birthday to our interim executive director Dave Joens!! We are so glad you are a part of our staff!

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Springfield, IL
62704

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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