Illinois America 250

04/29/2026

Illinois Voices recorded some great conversations today 🎤 Find out future recording sites (or how to submit your conversation virtually) at ilhumanities.org/programs/ilvoices250

04/23/2026

Congratulations to IL250 partners, the Illinois State Historical Society and University of Illinois Press, for the release of this special 250th-themed issue of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society.
From the Press: As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Societypresents a special issue on the role of Illinois in the broader American story. Rather than attempting a full state history, this collection of 27 essays provides snapshots of the people, events, challenges, and achievements that have shaped both Illinois and the nation over the past two and a half centuries.

Readers will encounter individuals whose lives illuminate unexpected corners of history, including Minnie Vautrin, an Illinois-born humanitarian honored in China for saving thousands during the R**e of Nanking, and Governor John Peter Altgeld, whose perspectives on immigration continue to resonate today. Familiar figures, such as Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, appear alongside articles tracing the growth of cities and industries through examinations of Chicago’s street design, the stockyards, the 1934 World’s Fair, and the coal industry. Additional essays explore agricultural, cultural, political, and labor history. They reflect on the displacement of Indigenous communities and the struggles for equality led by early free Black Illinoisans and women. This special issue showcases Illinois history and its ongoing contributions to American ideals of freedom, community, and identity.

04/23/2026

Congratulations to IL250 partners, the Illinois State Historical Society and University of Illinois Press, for the release of this special 250th-themed issue of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society.

Learn more here: https://scholarlypublishingcollective.org/uip/jishs/issue/119/1

From the Press: As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Societypresents a special issue on the role of Illinois in the broader American story. Rather than attempting a full state history, this collection of 27 essays provides snapshots of the people, events, challenges, and achievements that have shaped both Illinois and the nation over the past two and a half centuries.

Readers will encounter individuals whose lives illuminate unexpected corners of history, including Minnie Vautrin, an Illinois-born humanitarian honored in China for saving thousands during the R**e of Nanking, and Governor John Peter Altgeld, whose perspectives on immigration continue to resonate today. Familiar figures, such as Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, appear alongside articles tracing the growth of cities and industries through examinations of Chicago’s street design, the stockyards, the 1934 World’s Fair, and the coal industry. Additional essays explore agricultural, cultural, political, and labor history. They reflect on the displacement of Indigenous communities and the struggles for equality led by early free Black Illinoisans and women. This special issue showcases Illinois history and its ongoing contributions to American ideals of freedom, community, and identity.

Contributors: Reg Ankrom, Jenny Barker-Devine, James R. Barrett, James M. Cornelius, Timothy Dean Draper, Lincoln Dean Kershisnik Draper, Wayne Duerkes, James A. Edstrom, Rosemary Feurer, William Furry, Bucky Halker, Robert E. Hartley, David Joens, Theodore J. Karamanski, Bill Kemp, Elizabeth I. Kershisnik, Caroline M. Kisiel, Cate Liabraaten, Stacy Lynn, Kristan H. McKinsey, Eileen M. McMahon, Dominic A. Pacyga, Mark B. Pohlad, Patrick T. Reardon, Christine Sipula, Megan VanGorder, Alonzo M. Ward, Michael D. Wiant

04/13/2026

New essay contest from Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is live!

The Office of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to announce the launch of the “Illinois to America: Stories that Shape Us” student essay contest for America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is open to students in 6th-12th grade.
Winners will have their essays displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices and highlighted at the Lt. Governor’s tent at the state fair. In addition, they will receive a letter, certificate, and Challenge Coin from the Lieutenant Governor. There may also be some special surprises!
The contest is open from April 13th through 11:59pm CST on May 31st. Winners will be announced on July 4th. Here is the link to the contest website: Illinois to America: Stories That Shape Us | Essay Contest, and if you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

04/12/2026

Congratulations to Illinois' own Rehan Mathew Koshy from Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago, Illinois who won 3rd Prize in the High School Central Division of the 2026 C-SPAN StudentCam documentary competition for their video titled, "Life, Liberty, and the Zip Code," about "how the values stated in the Declaration of Independence connect to the major contemporary issue of health disparities impacting America, especially my hometown of Chicago."

Watch it here:

Congratulations to Rehan Mathew Koshy from Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago, Illinois who won 3rd Prize in the High School Central Division of the 2026 C-SPAN StudentCam documentary competition for their video titled, "Life, Liberty, and the Zip Code," about how the values st...

04/09/2026

One of many grassroots, community-centered ways that Illinoisans can get involved this year!

Join us for America’s Potluck on July 5, 2026, and be part of a nationwide moment of connection as we celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rooted in the tradition of Sunday dinner, this day invites us to slow down and build meaningful connections with those around us.

Host your own potluck or team up with a neighbor across the street (or down the hall) to bring your community together.

Sign up to host https://america250.utah.gov/americaspotluck/

04/03/2026

Illinois educators: did you see this week's message from Illinois State Board of Education announcing a new standards alignment for the 250th? Now you can integrate this commemoration through all of 2026. Learn more in the newsletter here:

Every child will make significant academic gains each year, increasing their knowledge, skills, and opportunities so they graduate equipped to pursue a successful future, with the state paying special attention to addressing historic inequities.

04/02/2026

Have you gotten your copy of Enjoy Illinois’ spring/summer issue yet? Check out the spread on pages 62-63 celebrating thousands of years of Illinois history leading up to the 250th. Check our link in bio to download or request a print copy!

03/30/2026

Have you gotten your copy of the Spring/Summer issue from Illinois Office of Tourism? Pages 62-63 feature a spread titled 'A Matter of Time' that presents a journey through 250+ years of Illinois history in celebration of the Semiquincentennial. Go view the digital version or request a print copy here: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/maps-and-visitor-guides/element/1181/finished/

03/25/2026

Thank you to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for putting the 250th front and center on this month's Business Leader magazine—and for hosting the feature from Commission Chair Gabrielle Lyon about the key role that Chambers around the state can play in their local commemorations.
Read it (page 12) HERE: https://illinoischamberofcommerce.brandbits.com/flipbooks/k2bc/

03/19/2026

Great 250th campaign, Chicago!