Illinois Bicentennial Programs in Princeville

Two hundred years ago on December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21^st state in the Union. The Illinois Bicentennial, now well under way, is a yearlong celebration of the people, places, things and events that have been born, built and grown in the state. In celebration, the Lillie M. Evans Library will be hosting two 1-hour programs in October 2018.  These programs will remind us of events that have shaped our past and impacted our rich and diverse history.

On Tuesday, October 16^th at 6:30pm, Sylvia Shults will present the program, Ghosts of the Illinois River. Be sure to join us as Sylvia gives an in-depth look at the Peoria State Hospital. Known as one of the most haunted places in Illinois, the haunted asylum is featured in many of her books.  Sylvia is a popular presenter in Central Illinois and is the author of several books, including Fractured Spirits: Hauntings at the Peoria State Hospital and 44 Years in Darkness.  

On Tuesday, October 30^th at 6:30pm, Tom Emery will present a program on the History of Illinois. Tom was a presenter during our popular Lincoln and the Constitution series in 2014. He is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville who has earned eleven awards from the Illinois State Historical Society.  His newest book, The History of Illinois, is a compilation of some of his newspaper columns and is intended to complement the state’s 200th anniversary. 

Want to learn still more about Illinois’ history?  The Illinois State Museum and the Illinois Association of Museums have developed a virtual exhibition titled The Story of Illinois: The Illinois Bicentennial Through Museum Objects. This exhibition consists of objects from the Illinois State Museum’s 13.5-million-object Illinois Legacy Collection along with objects from other Illinois museums.  The website is available online at http://story.illinoisstatemuseum.org/

Information about these programs and other LME Library events can be found on our website at http://lmelibrary.org. We hope you will explore, discover, and learn more about Illinois' unique history during this bicentennial year!

Story of Illinois from the ISM

ISM Launches “Story of Illinois” Website as Part of Illinois Bicentennial Celebration

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) is highlighting artifacts that tell the story of Illinois’ rich heritage as part of the state’s Bicentennial celebration.

They partnered with the Illinois Association of Museums to launch the “Story of Illinois” website, featuring objects from the ISM Illinois Legacy Collection, as well as collections from other museums across the state that help bring the state’s heritage to life.

“The collections from museums in Illinois help tell the unique story of Illinois, from statehood 200 years ago and beyond,” said Illinois State Museum Interim Director Robert Sill. “The new ‘Story of Illinois’ website will allow anyone to go online and sample some of the best of Illinois history, art, culture, and science.”
The new website, built by the ISM, previews some objects that will be on display in the “Bicentennial and Beyond:  The Illinois Legacy Collection” exhibition, which will open at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield on June 30. 

“You will find some rare, quirky, and beautiful objects on the website, such as the Lone Ranger’s saddle used by Brace Beemer from the Wabash County Museum, a ceremonial war club used by the Potawatomi Indians from the Chicago History Museum, a painting by Illinois native and American Impressionist Ivan Summers from the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, and a photoelectric relay used at the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition of 1933-34,” said Illinois Association of Museums President Karen Everingham. “Each item has its own story to tell.”

While Illinois became a state 200 years ago, the collections held by Illinois museums help tell a story of Illinois dating back approximately 500 million years.  From animals, fish, insects and plants to minerals, jewels, paintings, manuscripts, stone tools and fossils – the “Story of Illinois” website will feature some of the best artifacts and treasures from the collections of the participating museums.

Objects will be added to the website regularly during the celebration of the Illinois Bicentennial this year and promoted through the ISM Facebook page.
Find the website at this link: http://story.illinoisstatemuseum.org 

For more information on the Illinois Association of Museums:
http://www.illinoismuseums.org

For more information on the collections, programs and exhibitions of the Illinois State Museum:
www.illinoisstatemuseum.org