Illinois State Historical Society

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OTD in 1893, Chicago engineer Whitcomb L. Judson was granted a patent for his "clasp-locker", commonly called a zipper t...
05/31/2026

OTD in 1893, Chicago engineer Whitcomb L. Judson was granted a patent for his "clasp-locker", commonly called a zipper today.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1933, dancer Sally Rand performed her infamous "fan dance" at the Chicago World's Fair, to the shock and ...
05/30/2026

On this day in 1933, dancer Sally Rand performed her infamous "fan dance" at the Chicago World's Fair, to the shock and delight of fairgoers.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

Lincoln’s “Lost Speech” was a speech given by Abraham Lincoln at the Bloomington Convention on May 29, 1856, in Blooming...
05/29/2026

Lincoln’s “Lost Speech” was a speech given by Abraham Lincoln at the Bloomington Convention on May 29, 1856, in Bloomington, Illinois. Traditionally regarded as lost because it was so engaging that reporters neglected to take notes, the speech is believed to have been an impassioned condemnation of slavery.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com
Or read the article written by Bill Kemp in the latest issue of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society!

On May 28, 2015, a seven-page indictment of former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert by a f...
05/28/2026

On May 28, 2015, a seven-page indictment of former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert by a federal grand jury was unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago.

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On this day in 1837, Wild Bill Hickok was born in Troy Grove, in Lasalle County. To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricals...
05/27/2026

On this day in 1837, Wild Bill Hickok was born in Troy Grove, in Lasalle County.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1926, jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton. Happy 100th Birthday to Miles Davis!To learn more, vis...
05/26/2026

On this day in 1926, jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton. Happy 100th Birthday to Miles Davis!

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

Happy Memorial Day. We remember those who have gone before us.
05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day. We remember those who have gone before us.

On May 22, 1942, a math prodigy and assistant college professor named Ted Kaczynski was born in Chicago. He is better kn...
05/23/2026

On May 22, 1942, a math prodigy and assistant college professor named Ted Kaczynski was born in Chicago. He is better known as the Unabomber.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

On this day in 1849, Abraham Lincoln received a patent for a method of lifting boats over shoals. He is the only US Pres...
05/22/2026

On this day in 1849, Abraham Lincoln received a patent for a method of lifting boats over shoals. He is the only US President to own a patent.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

05/21/2026

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