Illinois America 250 Events
Across the state of Illinois, museums, historic sites, community centers, and parks are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with free programs, exhibits, educational tours, and special events. Browse events near you below.
Interested in hosting your own event? View available resources and submit your event to the 250th calendar.
Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette
Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton will welcome visitors for its annual Bald Eagle Days program in January, February and early March. Learn how to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in Illinois and more. Programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s visitors center. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 618-786-3323, ext. 1. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.
Lasalle County Museums Passport Event
https://www.lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org/explorelchistory
Discover the rich history of LaSalle County during President’s Day weekend! Many LaSalle County Museums/Historical Sites will be opening their doors for the low price of $1 per person. Pick up your passport at any noted location below.
Earlville Community Historical Society
Hegeler Carus Mansion
LaSalle County Genealogy Guild
LaSalle County Historical Society
Leland Historical Society
Mendota Museum & Historical Society
Norsk Museum
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum
Reddick Mansion Association
Seneca Historical Guild
Sheridan Historical Society Museum
Streatorland Museum
Westclox Museum
Lock, Stock, and Liberty: The Story of the Kentucky Rifle
Discover the history of the Kentucky Rifle — the uniquely American firearm that came to symbolize skill, ingenuity, and independence. Gun collector and historian Curt Johnson will explore how this rifle was crafted, used, and admired during the American Revolution. As part of the presentation, he will showcase three antique long rifles, offering an opportunity to see these historic pieces up close and learn about their craftsmanship and importance. This program is free and open to the public.
Please note: This is an educational historical lecture featuring antique firearms, not a gun show. In accordance with Library policy, no firearms may be brought onto library premises.
Democracy Dialogues Kick Off with Sen. Durbin and Secy. LaHood
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will kick off our “Democracy Dialogues” series on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium at the Bone Student Center.
This free, all-ages-welcome event is hosted by the McLean County Museum of History in collaboration with Illinois State University, WGLT, the Dirksen Congressional Center, and other community partners. It will set the tone for four forthcoming Democracy Dialogue events throughout the community in 2026. Please visit mchistory.org/250 for more information on the series.
Drawing on decades of public service and working “across the aisle,” Senator Durbin and Secretary LaHood will explore the nation’s founding ideals, how those principles have shaped our history, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The questions asked of these seasoned statesmen will be generated from community submissions and curated by event organizers. Be part of the dialogue by submitting your questions no later than February 6. Click here to submit your questions: https://forms.illinoisstate.edu/forms/democracy_dialogues
Additional Event Information:
Registration is not required for attendance.
Doors open at 6 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Security screening may cause delays. A 6:30 p.m. arrival is recommended for appropriate time to find parking, screening, and selecting a seat in the auditorium.
Free parking is available in the Bone Student Center lot, accessible from Locust St.
If you need a special accommodation to fully participate in this event, contact Presidential and Trustee Events at (309) 438-8790 or UniversityEvents@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations.
This event is open to members of the media, and a mult box will be provided. Advance registration is required. Click here to register online by February 17 at 10 a.m. Please email MediaRelations@IllinoisState.edu with questions.
How the Declaration of Independence Inspired Women
Join lawyer Michele Honora Thorne as she shares how the Declaration of Independence and its stated ideals have inspired women at the time of its writing 250 years ago through to the modern day.
Free to attend. Register in advance to reserve a seat.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together - Granville
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The adult group, open to participants ages nineteen and older, will meet on Tuesday, February 24th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection is “Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America,” by Steven Waldman. In Founding Faith, Waldman debunks myths from both the left and the right about America’s religious origins, revealing how the Founders crafted a new model of liberty that protected faith by keeping government out of it. Through vivid accounts from the colonies to the early presidencies, he shows how this delicate balance between belief and freedom shaped the nation.
Before the discussion, participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview explores religion and religious diversity in the 18th century, offering insight into how faith helped shape the nation’s early history.
Copies of the book will be available at the Granville Branch beginning in January. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/L6uCA.
Civic Awareness Series with the League of Women Voters - Voting in Illinois: A Look into the Board of Elections - Hybrid Event
Edmund Michalowski, the deputy clerk of elections for Cook county, dives into how the Board of Elections ensures the integrity of the election process from Mail in Ballots, Early Voting, and Election Day.
The Civic Awareness Series is brought in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington, and Schaumburg Areas. The League of Women Voters in a non-partisan organization dedicated to civic education, engagement, and encouraging voting.
You can choose to attend this program in-person or watch online on Zoom. Please indicate your preference when registering. After registering, you receive a link to the Zoom webinar at least three hours before the program. If the event is full, or if you prefer, you can watch the live stream on YouTube.com/@SchaumLib. A recording of this program is available at YouTube.com/@SchaumLib approximately 24 hours after the program is completed.
Want to switch your attendance preference from online to in-person (or vice versa)? No problem! Just give us a call at (847) 923-3347 and we'll take care of that for you.
People of all abilities are welcome at our events. To request accommodations, call the Library at (847) 923-3347. Find out more about our accessibility services.
All Library visitors permit the Library to take photos and videos and to use these images in future Library publications and promotions, in print and online.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together - McNabb
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The teen group, open to participants ages thirteen through nineteen, will meet on Wednesday, February 25th, at 5:00 p.m. at the McNabb Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection is “Chains,” by Laurie Halse Anderson. As the Revolutionary War ignites, thirteen-year-old Isabel, enslaved and desperate for freedom, must decide whom she can trust. When her sister is taken from her, Isabel bravely risks everything, spying on those in power in hopes of securing liberty for them both.
Before the discussion, participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview explores religion and religious diversity in the 18th century, offering insight into how faith helped shape the nation’s early history.
Copies of the book will be available at the McNabb Branch beginning in January. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/uyXwx.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together - Condit
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The youth group, open to participants ages eight through fourteen, will meet on Thursday, February 26th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Condit Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selections are “Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak,” by Kay Winters and “Love Thy Neighbor: The Tory Diary of Prudence Emerson,” by Ann Turner. In Colonial Voices, an errand boy races through Boston to spread secret news of rebellion, offering readers a vivid look at colonial trades and opinions as tension rises toward the Boston Tea Party. In Love Thy Neighbor, a young Tory girl in 1775 Boston watches friends become enemies as revolution brews, torn between her family’s loyalty to the King and the world she’s losing. Through Prudence’s eyes, the American Revolution unfolds from a rarely told Loyalist perspective.
Before the discussion, participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview explores religion and religious diversity in the 18th century, offering insight into how faith helped shape the nation’s early history.
Copies of the books will be available at the Condit Branch beginning in January. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/dEreQ.
Volunteer as a Judge: Chicago Metro History Day Senior Division Regional Contest
Chicago Metro History Day invites volunteers to judge at our Regional Contests on February 28 and March 7 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Working in a small team, judges evaluate the historical quality of students' exhibits, documentaries, papers, websites, performances, and podcasts. CMHD needs more than 350 judges to evaluate the work of 1,500 students. Morning judging will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon judging will be 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. You may choose the session that works best for you or judge both. Sign up at https://il-chimetro.nhd.org/ by clicking on "Create Account," then "Judge."
Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact upon the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation.
This event is intended for adults. Registration is not required. This is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For more information, contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Volunteer as a Judge: Chicago Metro History Day Junior Division Regional Contest
Chicago Metro History Day invites volunteers to judge at our Regional Contests on February 28 and March 7 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Working in a small team, judges evaluate the historical quality of students' exhibits, documentaries, papers, websites, performances, and podcasts. CMHD needs more than 350 judges to evaluate the work of 1,500 students. Morning judging will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon judging will be 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. You may choose the session that works best for you or judge both. Sign up at https://il-chimetro.nhd.org/ by clicking on "Create Account," then "Judge."
Power of Place
In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Aaron J. Lawler takes audiences on a unique tour of Illinois' most sacred and strange landmarks; from ancient Cahokia to Casey's "World's Largest" mailbox, from the Bahai Temple to the Leaning Tower of Niles.
This is not a travel brochure. It's a pilgrim's progress, a reflection on how we ritualize experience, enshrine memory, and express longing through the places we build, visit, and revere. When people return again and again to the same places, they leave something behind: memory, longing, belief. Over time, these places become filled with the presence of everyone who has stood here before. In this way, America's kitsch and its sacredness are not opposites but companions. The giant rocking chair, the nature preserve, and the historic landmark-they are modern shrines to the human need for meaning and connection, and remind us that sacredness is not found only in temples or cathedrals, but in any place that holds the weight of our collective attention. Dr. Lawler closes the presentation with a few carefully selected "day-cation" pilgrimages, not as tourism, but as journeys of curiosity, reflection, and reconnection.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme, the "Power of Place," that helps us explore how our natural and built environments have shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
This presentation is part of the By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Tinker's Ball at Memorial Hall
Join us for a night of elegance and history as we transport you back to the Victorian Era. Formal or themed attire is strongly recommended to match the occasion.
Refreshments provided by: The Sons of Union Veterans and Mary Logan Tent Aux.
Dance Callers: Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Karen Alexander of The Historical Timekeepers
Event Sponsors: Veterans Memorial Hall
Tickets:
$15 for guests 12 and older
$8 for guests 6-12
Children 5 and under are free
*Tickets will not be mailed out. Your name will be put onto a sign-in sheet for the day of the event.
Doors open at 5:30pm, and dancing commences at 6:00pm!
**Please note: There are no physical tickets. Once you purchase your spot, you will be placed onto a reservation form and will need to check in with a Tinker staff member/volunteer upon arrival. **
Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights
Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights explores the bold promises of liberty, equality, and justice the United States was founded on. But the path toward fulfilling those ideals has been anything but straightforward. Our exhibit theme of unfinished revolutions explores the ongoing struggle to define and expand the meaning of freedom in America. From the Revolutionary era to today, individuals and communities have challenged injustice and demanded change—through protest and litigation, war and grassroots organizing, formal politics and everyday resistance.
This exhibit is multivocal. The objects vary, and the people interpreting and reflecting on them are diverse in view, experience, expertise, and background. These ideas will weave through the text created by many different contributors, interpreting objects from Spurlock’s collections and across the University of Illinois campus.
Revolutionary America!
The Addison Historical Society and the Addison Public Library are pleased to present for Women's history month and kick-off program for our America250 programming, the immersive program, "Revolutionary America!" by Rebecca Tulloch on Thursday, March 19th at 7pm at Addison Village Hall. The American colonists have signed the Declaration of Independence, it is July 1776, General Washington has only just liberated the city of Boston from the British; and Abigail Adams prepares to inoculate herself and her children from the dreaded Small Pox. This presentation examines Abigail Adams experiences living in and around Boston prior to and during the early years of the American Revolution. Eyewitness to the birth of the American Revolution, John Adams's Dearest Friend, Wife, Mother and American Patriot.
This is a free public program, but pre-registration is required through the Addison Public Library. Event to be held in 2nd Floor Board Room of Addison Village Hall due to renovations at the library.
Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States
A library is the perfect place to explore the origins of a country founded on words.
What did Congress mean when they declared that “all men are created equal,” that people had an unalienable right to “the pursuit of happiness,” that the British King was a “tyrant,” or that the former colonies were now “Free and Independent States”? How did contemporaries of all kinds in 1776 interpret these words? And how might our own understandings differ, 250 years later?
This exhibition, anchored by a rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence, invites visitors to survey the words of the founding document of the United States, to consider some of the surprising ideas behind those words, and to trace their circulation and impact in the age of the American Revolution.
Curator
Eric Slauter, Deputy Dean of the Humanities Division and Master of the Humanities Collegiate Division and Associate Professor at University of Chicago
More About the Space
The Hanson Gallery is a small, intimate space. Exhibitions mounted there typically include 12-24 items, allowing visitors a glimpse of what the Newberry’s vast collections have to offer. Hanson exhibitions are often modest thematic presentations that draw from a range of the library's collections or interpretive explorations that are built around single items. Examples of past exhibitions include: Wheels and Indigenous Portraits Unbound. Click here to view a photo of the gallery.
Midnight on the Potomac: Author Talk and Book Signing with Scott Ellsworth
Join us an engaging author talk and book signing with Scott Ellsworth, diving into the mysteries of the Civil War and Lincoln Assassination
Barrington’s White House, in partnership with the Barrington Writers Workshop, welcomes Scott Ellsworth, acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author, for an engaging author talk and signing of his newest work, Midnight on the Potomac: The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America.
Ellsworth is the author of five books, including The Ground Breaking, which earned praise as the work of “a historian with the soul of a poet” (Booklist) and was longlisted for both the National Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In Midnight on the Potomac, he offers a vivid account of the Civil War’s final year, uncovering new insights into John Wilkes Booth, the Confederate Secret Service, and the nation’s struggle to reunite after Lincoln’s assassination.
Following the talk, books will be available for purchase and signing, offered by Read Between the Lynes of Woodstock, IL.
Declarations of Independence: Symposium Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Join us for “Declarations of Independence,” a faculty research symposium sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago. This interdisciplinary, day-long symposium will feature keynotes, panels, and interactive stations to consider what the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence means in and to Illinois.
The Unfinished Revolution
This event is both virtual and in-person. Zoom link will be shared later.
It includes a tour of UIC’s Special Collections of historical documents at 6 p.m., reception at 6:30 p.m., and program at 7 p.m.
The panel chaired by UIC Professor Emeritus Dick Simpson will be:
UIC Law Professor Ann Lousin on Thomas Paine
250 Commissioner Dorene Wiese on Broken treaties with Illinois Tribes over 150 years
Marlene Targ Brill on Jane Addams contributions to continuing the American Revolution
Dick Simpson on the Unfinished Revolution in the 21st century
Vote Out Loud Black Tie Gala
https://www.projectxvmuseum.com/upcoming-events
Tickets: https://checkout.page/s/fDIYAxxbfqPcq
America’s Birth Certificate: The Declaration of Independence
Learn about the fascinating origins, misunderstood purpose, and extraordinary global legacy of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence is a peculiar thing. It’s a literary masterpiece that was written jointly by a committee of fifty people. It’s short and punchy—just 1310 words long—but still somehow daunting and difficult to get to grips with (there’s a reason most of us have never read it in full and can only quote the first third of its second sentence). And what is it exactly? Is it a birth certificate announcing happy news, or a petition for divorce full of grievance and score-settling, or something else? Is it aimed at the American people, or King George, or someone else? Was it the first ever declaration of independence, or a cheap imitation of a genre already well established? What did people at the time make of it? What did it change? Why does it matter? In this four-part lecture series, Richard Bell, a professor of history at the University of Maryland, will tackle the fascinating origins, misunderstood purpose, and extraordinary global legacy of the Declaration of Independence.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the new book The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, published by Penguin this past November.
This class is presented in conjunction with our exhibition, Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States, opening April 9, 2026.
What to Expect
Format: Virtual
Class Capacity: 30
Class Style: Lecture or presentation; option for questions
Materials List
No Required Materials
Cost and Registration
4 Sessions, $95 ($85.50 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($95), Community Supported ($90), and Sponsor ($100). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
Register here: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0057-0014-4a40a95c81fb4855840a3339a1996ac6
Grant's Home Front Reenactment & Encampment
Experience life in the 1860s through a Living History Encampment and Civil War Battle, returning to beautiful Galena, IL!
Enjoy the Sanitary Fair (a Civil War Ladies Bazaar supporting our troops) with beautiful handmade items for sale. This is a family friendly event with the chance to interact with re-enactors portraying both military and civilians in the 1860's during the war. Meet General Grant and his staff, see a medical demonstration, and have your child "drill" with the troops!
Battles each day: Saturday at 11:30 AM, Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Watch history come alive in Galena Country!
Elgin Symphony String Quartet: American Masters
Experience the artistry of America’s greatest composers with the Elgin Symphony String Quartet. An unforgettable musical journey awaits!
Barrington’s White House welcomes back the Elgin Symphony String Quartet for an afternoon of extraordinary music celebrating American Masters. Featuring principal players of the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the quartet will perform works that highlight the depth, diversity, and distinctive voice of American classical music.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as one of the Midwest’s premier ensembles, honored four times as “Orchestra of the Year” by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. With its commitment to artistry, education, and community engagement, the ESO continues to inspire audiences under the dynamic leadership of Music Director, Chad Goodman.
International Jazz Day
UNESCO has announced that the 15th annual International Jazz Day will take place in a city known for its incredible contributions to the history and future of Jazz: Chicago, Illinois.
From the DCASE press announcement: “The City of Chicago is proud to announce it has been selected as the official host city for UNESCO’s International Jazz Day 2026, the world’s largest celebration of jazz and its power to unite communities across the globe. The announcement, made by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, sets the stage for a historic celebration on April 30, 2026, spotlighting Chicago’s legendary contributions to jazz, blues, and global music culture.
Since its inception in 2012, International Jazz Day has traveled the world—from Paris to Havana, Sydney to St. Petersburg—connecting people through the language of music. Chicago’s selection comes at a powerful moment in time, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 100th birthday of Miles Davis, and the anticipated opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side.”
National Civics Bee
OPACC is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition encouraging students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Location to be determined.
TIME: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
History Hike at Swallow Cliff Woods
Step Into History for a guided hike through beautiful Swallow Cliff Woods as we explore the stories that shaped our land, our people, and our nation as part of IL America 250.
Macombopoly Anniversary
Celebrate America 250 and the 2-year anniversary of Macombopoly—the world’s largest Monopoly game—by tracing its roots back to Macomb, Illinois, birthplace of Lizzie Magie, creator of The Landlord’s Game, which inspired Monopoly. Her inventive spirit and Macomb’s legacy of American spirit embody the creativity, opportunity, and imagination that have defined America for 250 years.
Rockford Symphony America 250 Concert
The season concludes with a jubilant celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcasing American music and its rich and diverse heritage. The evening begins with Jessie Montgomery’s A Hymn for Everyone, a vibrant work that reflects the spirit of unity and shared history. Leonard Bernstein’s powerful Symphony No. 1 (“Jeremiah”) follows, blending bold orchestration with a heartfelt exploration of faith and resilience. Jeff Midkiff’s From the Blue Ridge brings the soul of bluegrass to the concert hall in a thrilling mandolin concerto inspired by Appalachian traditions. The concert concludes with the innovator of the “American Sound,” Aaron Copland, with two movements of his tribute to the American West, Rodeo.
Debating Independence: The American Revolution in 1776
https://www.palatinelibrary.org/
AMERICA TURNS 250: A Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America in Music
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra lowers the curtain on our 48th season by celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This Semiquincentennial celebration features music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, John Philip Sousa and concludes with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. This paid/ticketed event is being performed by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Palos Heights, IL on May 16th, 2026.
Tickets: https://ipomusic.org/2025-26-season/
Vanessa Becerra, Soprano: American Song and Spirit
Join us for an enchanting musical journey with Vanessa Becerra, celebrating the essence of American Song and Spirit.
Soprano Vanessa Becerra, praised for her “bold and bright” singing (Opera News), “full, beautifully focused” instrument (Wall Street Journal), and “charismatic and eloquent” presence (San Francisco Chronicle) - presents an afternoon of song celebrating the depth and diversity of American music. The program, American Song and Spirit, explores the rich legacy of American composers, blending beloved classics with contemporary works that reflect the nation’s cultural voice.
Join Vanessa for a meet and greet following the performance.
Memorial Day Ceremony: America 250th Anniversary Commemoration
https://geneseo.org/events/
America Grows: Celebrating Growth, Resilience, and Community
America Grows: Celebrating Resilience, Culture, and Community commemorates 250 years of United States independence. The exhibition illustrates the ways in which gardens have always held a special place in American culture and community—but this experience is so much more than a history lesson.
Immersive multimedia displays illustrate American resilience—through the self-sufficiency of colonial kitchen gardens, strength of post-emancipation gardens, ingenuity of wartime victory gardens, and more. Installations tie key moments in history to gardening movements.
Indoor-outdoor experiences enable visitors to connect history to present-day through the Garden’s vibrant living collections in display gardens and rich archives in the Lenhardt Library.
Interactive programs designed in collaboration with local community organizations bring people of all ages together to celebrate the important role gardens have played in American history.
Learn more at https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
America 250: A Musical Journey
In June 2026, Symphony Center marks America’s 250th anniversary with performances that honor the nation’s rich and evolving cultural landscape. From concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to appearances by guest artists and jazz ensembles, these curated programs reflect the country’s resilience, creativity and musical traditions.
Highlights include Wynton Marsalis’ Liberty Symphony with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — blending jazz, blues and classical influences — and Conrad Tao’s recital with music by American composers. Works by Copland, Gershwin and Ives explore the nation’s enduring spirit, culminating in epic performances of John Williams’ iconic Star Wars: A New Hope score live to film.
Be part of this dynamic, monthlong journey through the landscape of American music.
The Declaration of Independence with Danielle Allen and Scott Stephenson
Explore the document that made the United States with Danielle Allen, author of Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality, and Scott Stephenson, the President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution.
This program will be held in-person at the Newberry and livestreamed on Zoom. The online version of this event will be live captioned.
Danielle Allen and Scott Stephenson will take a deep dive into the history, impact, and contemporary resonance of the Declaration of Independence in this hour-long conversation. The discussion will be followed by a book signing of Dr. Allen’s latest book, Radical Duke.
Also following the program, Eric Slauter (University of Chicago) will be on hand to answer questions in his Newberry exhibition, Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the US.
Throughout the afternoon, reproduction artifacts from the Museum of the American Revolution will be available for viewing, including a recreation of George Washington’s tent in Washington Square Park, located across the street from the Newberry’s main entrance.
The Colonial History Speaker Series is cosponsored by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Illinois, in partnership with the History Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This program is part of the Newberry's United States 250 initiative, which includes programs, exhibitions, courses and other learning opportunities throughout 2026.
Speakers
Dr. Danielle Allen is a Professor of Political Philosophy, Public Policy, and Ethics at Harvard University as well as a distinguished author and mom. She is also Founder and Chairperson of Partners In Democracy. At Partners In Democracy, she advocates for democracy renovation to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all.
Dr. R. Scott Stephenson is the President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution. Before joining the museum as the first Director of Collections and Interpretation in 2007, he developed and collaborated on exhibits, films, and interpretive programs for numerous historical sites and organizations including Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian, the Canadian War Museum, the National Park Service, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Senator John Heinz History Center, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Cost and Registration
This program is free and open to all. Advance registration required.
Registration opens May 1.
Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures, and Illustrations in the Wartime US, 1812-1918
In 1776, the Declaration of Independence defined “unalienable rights” as “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” And five years after the end of the Revolutionary War, the founding generation ratified a new Constitution to, among other things, “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” What it meant to dedicate a country to liberty was immediately contested and continues to be contested to this day. For whom were these “Blessings of Liberty” to be secured? Under what circumstances could individuals expect the inalienable right of liberty to be recognized? What justifies limitations on liberty, and what does a dedication to liberty demand of us?
Though Americans grappled with these issues in all times and places, nothing crystallized the tensions around liberty quite like war. President Abraham Lincoln, in his address at the newly dedicated Gettysburg National Cemetery in the midst of the Civil War, centered his reflection on this very question: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” At the site of so much death and destruction, he wondered whether a nation, “so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.”
Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures, and Illustrations in the Wartime US, 1812-1918 will draw on the Newberry’s collection to show how artists living through wartime “conceived” cartoons, caricatures, and illustrations that grappled with questions about liberty. These images appeared throughout broader print culture (newspapers, magazines, sheet music, broadsides, posters) as well as in more private contexts, such as diaries, letters, or sketchbooks. Whether patriotic or dissenting, available to the masses or only to a few, wartime imagery reveals in dramatic, visually compelling ways how the people of the US have used the occasion of war to question, revise, challenge, and champion this core value of the country since its founding 250 years ago.
Curator
Margaret Storey, Professor of History at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at DePaul University
More About the Space
The Trienens galleries include an introductory gallery and a larger primary gallery. Exhibitions mounted there typically include 40-70 items from the Newberry's vast collections. Exhibitions in the Trienens galleries allow visitors to explore compelling themes and historical content in depth. Examples of past exhibitions include: Pop-Up Books through the Ages and Viva La Libertad. Click here to view a photo of the galleries.
Price, Copland & John Williams - Southern Illinois Music Festival
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Price, Copland and John Williams (Sunday, June 21 at 2pm)
Carterville High School, Carterville, Illinois
Florence Price: Piano Concerto in D Minor (1934) (Ellen Boll, Piano Soloist)
Aaron Copland: Four Dances from Rodeo (1942)
Richard Rodgers: Selections from South Pacific (1949)
John Williams: Raiders March, Cowboys Overture,
Fiddler Concerto (Violin Soloist); Theme from Schindler’s List (Violin Soloist)
Chadwick, Washington Irving and John Williams - Southern Illinois Music Festival
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Chadwick, Washington Irving and John Williams (Tuesday, June 23 at 7pm)
Carterville High School, Carterville, Illinois
George Chadwick: Symphony No. 2 (1886)
Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings (1938)
James Stephenson: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1996)
Thomas Edgar: Worth Living (2025)
John Williams: Music from Star Wars and Superman
Chamber Music of Price, Coleman and Montgomery - Southern Illinois Music Fest
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Chamber Music of Price, Coleman and Montgomery (Wednesday, June 24 at 6pm)
African American Museum, Carbondale, Illinois [FREE ADMISSION]
Florence Price: String Quartet (1929)
Valerie Coleman: Portraits of Langston for Flute, Clarinet and Piano (2007)
Jesse Montgomery: Starburst (2012)
Macomb Heritage Days
Since 1982, Macomb’s Heritage Days Festival has celebrated the rich spirit of community and American heritage in the heart of Forgottonia. It is an annual family-friendly event which features live music on the main stage from Nationally Recognized Artists, incredibly Delicious Food, American Banner’s exciting Carnival Attractions, a Classic Car Show, Arts & Crafts vendors, a cooled tented Beer Garden, Contests & Games, The Bob Anstine Memorial Parade and the annual Airport Pancake Breakfast Fly-In plus SO much more! Join us in celebrating America 250 by experiencing small-town pride and big American history at Macomb’s Heritage Days Festival!
Chamber Music of Price, Coleman and Montgomery (Cairo) - Southern Illinois Music Fest
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Chamber Music of Price, Coleman and Montgomery (Thursday, June 25 at 6pm)
Harold Jones Fine Arts Center, Cairo, Illinois [FREE ADMISSION]
Florence Price: String Quartet (1929)
Jesse Montgomery: Strum (2006)
Valerie Coleman: Portraits of Langston for Flute, Clarinet and Piano (2007)
Bros Compose: Chamber Music by American Men - Southern Illinois Music Fest
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Bros Compose: Chamber Music by American Men (Thursday, June 25 at 7pm)
Artspace 304, Carbondale, Illinois
Johann Peter: String Quintet No. 1 in D Major (1789)
Charles Ives: String Quartet No. 1 (1898)
Horatio Parker: Suite for Piano Trio in A Major, Op. 35 (1904)
Irving Fine: Partita for Wind Quintet (1948)
Samuel Barber: Summer Music (1956)
Lionel Semiatin: American Septet (1976)
James Stephenson: Colors (1997)
From George Gershwin to Chick Corea - Southern Illinois Music Fest
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
From George Gershwin to Chick Corea (Friday, June 26 at 7pm)
Carterville High School, Carterville, Illinois
George Chadwick: Jubilee from Symphonic Sketches (1895)
George Gershwin: Porgy and Bess Symphonic Picture (1935)
Richard Rodgers: Selections from Oklahoma (1943)
Richard Danielpour: Toward the Splendid City (1992)
Mary Watkins: Soul of Remembrance (1994)
Chick Corea: Piano Concerto No. 1, Part 3 (1999) (Jordan Knapp, Piano Soloist)
James Stephenson: Stars and Stripes Fanfare (2007)
Lin Manuel Miranda: Selections from Hamilton (2015)
John Williams: Music from ET and Jurassic Park
Echoes of Her: Chamber Music of American Women - Southern Illinois Music Festival
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Echoes of Her: Chamber Music of American Women (Saturday, June 27 at 2pm)
First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, Illinois
Amy Beach: Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 (1893)
Amy Beach: Quintet for Piano and Strings in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67 (1908)
Joan Tower: Petroushskates (1980)
Valerie Coleman: Portraits of Langston for Flute, Clarinet and Piano (2007)
Jesse Montgomery: Starburst (2012)
Maya Benyas: Meditation and Waltz for Cello and Piano (2025)
Patriotic Pops Concert - Southern Illinois Music Fest
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Patriotic Pops Concert (Saturday, June 27 at 7pm)
Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass, Illinois
Music by Berlin, Bernstein, Copland, Gershwin, Gould, Ives, Sinatra, Sousa, Stephenson
Selections from Chorus Line, Oklahoma, Titanic and West Side Story
John Williams music from Superman, Jurassic Park, Raiders, Harry Potter and Star Wars
Music from Star Trek, Band of Brothers and an Armed Forces Salute
MacDowell to Copland to Star Wars - Southern Illinois Music Festival
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
MacDowell to Copland to Star Wars (Sunday, June 28 at 2pm)
Carterville High School, Carterville, Illinois
Edward MacDowell: Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor (1885) (Stephen Prutsman, Piano Soloist)
Aaron Copland: Suite from The Tender Land (1954)
Marvin Hamlisch: Selections from Chorus Line (1975)
Peter Boyer: Silver Fanfare (2004)
John Williams: Viktor’s Tale (Jon Goodman, Clarinet Soloist) and music from Star Wars Episodes I-VI
Tuneful 20th Century Masterpieces - Southern Illinois Music Festival
22nd Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival - AMERICA AT 250
June 18-July 4, 2026 | www.SIFest.com
Tickets for all events listed (except those that are admission free) are $25 general and $10 students of any age and are always available at the door 30 minutes before each performance. You may also purchase an All-Festival Pass for $150 which includes admission to all events and a free 60-page program booklet ($200 value). Festival passes and individual tickets will be available in advance using the SIFest 2026 Brochure Ticket Order Form, which will be available in March on our website.
Tuneful 20th Century Masterpieces (Tuesday, June 30 at 7pm)
Carterville High School, Carterville, Illinois
Charles Ives/William Schuman: Variations on America (1891/1962)
William Grant Still: “Afro-American” Symphony (1930)
Aaron Copland: Lincoln Portrait (1942)
Leonard Bernstein: Overture to Candide (1956)
Leonard Bernstein: Selections from West Side Story (1957)
John Adams: Chairman Dances from Nixon in China (1987)
John Williams: Tango por una cabeza (1993) (Michael Barta, Violin Soloist)
Celebrating America's Birthday & the Addison Historical Museum
More details to come.
https://www.addisonadvantage.org/visitors/history_2/index.php
NASCAR Weekend at Chicagoland Speedway
NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway July 3 through 5, 2026 for an unforgettable weekend celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Discover single day and weekend tickets, camping and hospitality options at ChicagolandSpeedway.com.
Us At 250: Facing Freedom in America
Generations of Americans have grappled with the meaning of freedom as it is expressed in the United States’ founding documents. Over the last fifteen years, CHM’s exhibition Facing Freedom in America has explored how different groups have fought to gain equal rights and transformed what it means to be free.
Now the exhibition will be reimagined to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Reopening July 4, 2026.
Independence Day Celebration in Macomb
Celebrate the nation’s birthday in true American spirit at Macomb’s annual Independence Day Celebration! Hosted by the City of Macomb and Western Illinois University, this community tradition honors the enduring ideals of freedom and unity that define both our nation and our region’s history. Enjoy live music, family-friendly festivities, and a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the skies above WIU’s campus. Bring your lawn chairs, snacks, and patriotic pride as Macomb joins communities across the country in celebrating America 250 and the story of independence that continues to inspire us all.
Yorkville Fireworks, Parade & Drone Show
ABOUT THE EVENT
For over 60 years, the Yorkville Area Independence Day Celebration has been a favorite Community Tradition to celebrate the birth of the nation. Every year, thousands of members of the Yorkville Community gather in the historic Town Square to watch the annual parade, participate in foot races and family activities, and come out to enjoy the fireworks show at Countryside and Rt 47 the same evening!
Follow the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Facebook Page for up-to-date information as it becomes available for the 2026 Independence Day Celebration!
Us At 250: Civic Season
The Chicago History Museum collaborates with local community leaders, artists, and youth to set the stage every summer for Civic Season in partnership with Made By Us. Our programming starts Juneteenth and continues with Civic Saturdays all leading toward our final program on Independence Day.
During Civic Season, the Museum will serve as a space to help Chicagoans connect with their communities and build new skills. Using the past as a guide, we can draw a roadmap to future community participation so we may all be more informed and engaged citizens.
Sharing the Spirit of America: A Statewide & National Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Newberry
This program will be held in-person at the Newberry.
Gather with special guests, fellow visitors, and library staff for a live, simultaneous nationwide public reading of the Declaration of Independence with one and all in Chicago and across the country. The nationwide reading will take place at 5pm sharp! Plan to arrive early or stay late to visit Newberry’s related exhibitions, Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States and Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures, and Illustrations in the Wartime Us, 1812-1918.
Cost and Registration
This program is free and open to all. Advance registration is recommended.
Registration opens June 1.
Sharing the Spirit of America: Statewide & National Reading of the Declaration of Independence
MAP OF LOCATIONS HOSTING A PUBLIC READING: https://www.hawaiiamerica250.org/sharing-the-spirit-of-america
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.
Four days later, on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration was printed and distributed, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the State House Yard by the bells of the city. Then, Colonel John Nixon publicly read the Declaration of Independence.
While much of the Declaration deals with grievances against King George III (although his name does not appear in it), the American spirit, principles, and values memorialized in the Declaration of Independence 250-years ago continue to hold true today. The “self evident” “truths”, then, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are valid today, as are the personal and collective responsibilities we share in protecting and perpetuating these values.
Reading the Declaration of Independence Across America, ‘Together’
Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now, 250-years later, Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’. These readings will occur at State Capitols, City Halls, County and Municipal Buildings, Schools, Libraries, Community Centers, Parks, etc (including individual families sharing the words and vision of the Declaration of Independence in their own homes).
With a start time based on 6 pm (EDT), July 8, 2026 (commemorating the first public reading), people in communities across America will begin reading the Declaration of Independence.
Unlike the extent of the Colonies in 1776, today, America spans about 9,500-miles from one extreme to the other (the Caribbean across North America to the western edge of the Pacific).
Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time.
For Information: Peter T. Young, Chair
Hawai‘i America250 Commission
Contact@HawaiiAmerica250.org
National Hot Dog Day Summer Concert
Palos Park's National Hot Dog Day Summer Concert is an evening of live music, yard games, and of course—hot dogs loaded with classic Chicago-style fixings.
NewberryFest: 250 Years of the United States
Celebrate all things Newberry with collection presentations, hands-on activities, tours, a mini used book sale, and so much more at this open house event. This summer our theme is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This program will be held in-person at the Newberry.
Join us for our summer NewberryFest, designed to help both new and returning visitors learn more about the Newberry. Learn more about the history and legacy of the American Revolution by exploring our collection and try your own hand at historical calligraphy techniques!
NewberryFest is free and open to all.
Come face-to-face with extraordinary items from our collection that are related to the Revolutionary period and its echoes over the past 250 years. Our curators and librarians will be available to answer your questions and share more about the items!
Join the Chicago Calligraphy Collective to try out calligraphy techniques.
Visit our latest exhibitions, Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States and Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures, and Illustrations in the Wartime Us, 1812-1918.
Join a docent-led building tour to learn about the library's nearly 140-year history.
Shop our used book sale, which promises to offer literary treasures at low prices.
Visit the Newberry Bookshop, where you'll find more than just books. All attendees at NewberryFest receive 10% off their purchase!
Cost and Registration
This program is free and open to all.
Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States
A library is the perfect place to explore the origins of a country founded on words.
What did Congress mean when they declared that “all men are created equal,” that people had an unalienable right to “the pursuit of happiness,” that the British King was a “tyrant,” or that the former colonies were now “Free and Independent States”? How did contemporaries of all kinds in 1776 interpret these words? And how might our own understandings differ, 250 years later?
This exhibition, anchored by a rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence, invites visitors to survey the words of the founding document of the United States, to consider some of the surprising ideas behind those words, and to trace their circulation and impact in the age of the American Revolution.
Curator
Eric Slauter, Deputy Dean of the Humanities Division and Master of the Humanities Collegiate Division and Associate Professor at University of Chicago
More About the Space
The Hanson Gallery is a small, intimate space. Exhibitions mounted there typically include 12-24 items, allowing visitors a glimpse of what the Newberry’s vast collections have to offer. Hanson exhibitions are often modest thematic presentations that draw from a range of the library's collections or interpretive explorations that are built around single items. Examples of past exhibitions include: Wheels and Indigenous Portraits Unbound. Click here to view a photo of the gallery.
The Best of Patriotic Music
Celebrate the spirit of America through song! Now in its 27th season, the Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers under the direction of Nicholas Thomas present The Best of Patriotic Music, an inspiring concert filled with timeless American classics and stirring patriotic anthems. Join us for an unforgettable tribute to the red, white, and blue.
Tickets: Adult $15, Seniors 55+ $12, Under 18 $10, Veterans FREE (does not include fees)
Get tickets 24/7 at morainevalley.edu/fpac/tickets or contact the box office Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (summer hours vary).
Honoring C.T. Vivian and Civil Rights History
This event honors the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. C.T. Vivian, a Macomb native whose life-long commitment to justice helped shape our nation. This special celebration includes a short program with oral history interviews, birthday cake, and ice cream, followed by a screening of the PBS documentary Freedom Riders, and concludes with a pizza dinner and community discussion. Reflect on the courage, resilience, and nonviolent activism that advanced civil rights locally and nationally, as part of America 250 and McDonough County’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
Galena Bicentennial Corn Boil
Join the Galena community for the highly anticipated Bicentennial Corn Boil at Recreation Park on August 29, 2026!
This exciting event celebrates Galena's rich history with a variety of activities and entertainment perfect for all ages. Enjoy delicious sweet corn, a mouthwatering staple of the celebration, while taking part in games and soaking in the lively atmosphere. With live music, a range of food and beverages, and plenty of camaraderie, the Bicentennial Corn Boil promises to be an unforgettable experience as we come together to honor Galena's past, present, and future.
Al Sears Music Festival: Celebrating American Musical Legacy
Join us for a weekend of American musical legacy at the Al Sears Music Festival. This celebration honors Macomb’s native son, saxophonist and musical trailblazer “Big Al Sears”, whose work with Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, and early rock & roll helped shape America’s soundtrack. Over three days, enjoy jazz, R&B, and the American songbook through performances, conversations, and a museum exhibit of archival recordings and memorabilia. This festival bridges past and present — celebrating musical heritage, Macomb pride, and the vibrant spirit of American culture.
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
In celebration of America’s 250th year, this inspiring play reflects on the life of A.G. Gaston, a pioneering African American entrepreneur who lived to be 103 and was integral to many landmark milestones in American history. Rising from humble beginnings, Gaston built a vast business empire that empowered his community and advanced economic equality.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the narrative highlights his collaborations with influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Through vibrant musical numbers and impactful dialogue, Quiet Parts Out Loud showcases Gaston’s resilience and unwavering commitment to unity and justice, celebrating the enduring spirit of the African American experience.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quiet-parts-out-loud-a-day-in-the-life-of-ag-gaston-tickets-1978448555889?aff=oddtdtcreator
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
In celebration of America’s 250th year, this inspiring play reflects on the life of A.G. Gaston, a pioneering African American entrepreneur who lived to be 103 and was integral to many landmark milestones in American history. Rising from humble beginnings, Gaston built a vast business empire that empowered his community and advanced economic equality.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the narrative highlights his collaborations with influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Through vibrant musical numbers and impactful dialogue, Quiet Parts Out Loud showcases Gaston’s resilience and unwavering commitment to unity and justice, celebrating the enduring spirit of the African American experience.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quiet-parts-out-loud-a-day-in-the-life-of-ag-gaston-tickets-1978448555889?aff=oddtdtcreator
Lincoln's Birthday Celebration - Honoring America's 250th
Join us in celebration!
Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln
Program, photograph and autograph opportunities
Birthday Cake & Cookies
VCHS Band
Let's Do the Nuts and Bolts of Military Records
Join genealogist Jenny Warner to learn how to uncover the wealth of military records available to researchers. Learn how to find, order, and interpret them to bring your ancestors’ stories to life. This event is held at the Rockford Public Library, East Branch, but also available via Zoom. You must pre-register to receive a login link at: https://tinyurl.com/4bmvaejd.
Flock to the Rock Eagle Days
Do you love Eagles? Then you won’t want to miss this event!
Kick off your morning at the Lower Dam (300 W. 1st Street, Rock Falls) where you can watch majestic eagles soaring above the Rock River. Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars!
Then at 10:00 AM, make your way to the Rock Falls American Legion (712 4th Avenue, Rock Falls) for a full day of speakers, live demonstrations, and nature-focused activities.
Event Schedule
10:15 AM – Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation – Featuring a live eagle and other fascinating birds.
11:00 AM – Native American Culture Presentation
12:00 PM – Incredible Bats
1:00 PM – Paul Gierhart will be sharing his stunning wildlife photography and offering a fascinating look into the world of eagles and other birds.
Meet Ricco the Sloth during a special meet-and-greet from 10am to 2pm.
Outside the American Legion, beginning at 10:00 AM, professional ice carver Robert Storm will once again showcase his incredible talent with live ice sculpting.
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, enjoy a variety of educational and nature-related vendors.
Interested in being a vendor? Contact Rock Falls Tourism at 815-622-1106 or email travel@visitrockfalls.com
.
This event is free and open to all ages. Come experience wildlife, culture, and creativity all in one exciting day!
Fulton-Mason Eagle Days
Join us for the annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day. Activities include live raptor programs, hands-on activities and crafts for kids, and bird watching in various locations in Lewistown and Havana, Illinois. This is a FREE, family event!
Fulton County Activities:
Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Awareness programs, 1:00 & 3:00pm Located in the Dickson Mounds auditorium.
Tickets available on a first come, first served basis, beginning at 9:00 am at Dickson Mounds, day of the event. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Seating is limited. Admission is free.
• Arts & crafts and science activities
• Native and invasive species displays.
• Food available for purchase courtesy of The Lunchwagon
The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve Wetland Observatory, off Hwy 97/78
• Wildlife viewing & walking trails
• Campfire, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, 11316 N. Prairie Rd., Lewistown, 10:00 a.m.
• Guided hike of the Nature Conservancy's Ridge Trail
• Prepare to hike approx. two miles on uneven terrain. Closed-toe, sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring your own water and necessary supplies.
Lewistown Visitor Center, 222 S. Main Street, Lewistown, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Wildlife Prairie Park presents a variety of live animals.
Mason County Activities:
Havana Riverfront Park
North Schrader Avenue, Havana, park open dawn-dusk
• Self-guided wildlife, nature & eagle viewing
• Simulated Eagle’s nest for photos
• Hiking on Bellrose Island
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge 19031 E. CR 2110N, Havana, dawn-dusk
• Self-guided eagle watching from refuge nature trails
• Driving auto-tour & 100-foot observation tower climb, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m
*Activities at some locations are weather permitting.
Sponsored by the City of Lewistown, Forbes and Illinois River Biological Stations, Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds, Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, The Nature Conservancy, and USFWS Illinois River Refuges Complex.
9th Annual Barrington Town-Warming - We the People
In-Person Sold Out, Virtual Tickets Available
We the People: Exploring Our Roots with keynote speaker Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Celebrate our shared history and cultural foundations at the ninth annual Barrington Town-Warming, a community tradition that brings together leading voices from across the nation. This year’s theme, “We the People: Exploring Our Roots,” invites us to reflect on the individuals, ideas, and movements that have shaped the American story.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as our keynote speaker. An acclaimed Harvard historian, Peabody and Emmy award-winning filmmaker, and the creator and host of the renowned PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” Dr. Gates brings a powerful and insightful perspective on genealogy, identity, and American history.
The day also features, Tom Wickham (former Parliamentarian of the U.S. House of Representatives), engaging panel discussions, a performance of the Great American Songbook, and a variety of educational and entertaining interludes. Breakfast, lunch, and a post-event reception will be provided for in-person attendees.
Keynote Sponsor: Mrs. Jessica Green and Ms. Kim Duchossois
Presenting Sponsor: Northern Trust
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
In celebration of America’s 250th year, this inspiring play reflects on the life of A.G. Gaston, a pioneering African American entrepreneur who lived to be 103 and was integral to many landmark milestones in American history. Rising from humble beginnings, Gaston built a vast business empire that empowered his community and advanced economic equality.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the narrative highlights his collaborations with influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Through vibrant musical numbers and impactful dialogue, Quiet Parts Out Loud showcases Gaston’s resilience and unwavering commitment to unity and justice, celebrating the enduring spirit of the African American experience.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quiet-parts-out-loud-a-day-in-the-life-of-ag-gaston-tickets-1978448555889?aff=oddtdtcreator
Celebrating Ronald Reagan
This is a special birthday party event for Ronald Reagan. Tampico, IL is the birthplace of Ronald Reagan.
The Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of SB Fuller
Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston
In celebration of America’s 250th year, this inspiring play reflects on the life of A.G. Gaston, a pioneering African American entrepreneur who lived to be 103 and was integral to many landmark milestones in American history. Rising from humble beginnings, Gaston built a vast business empire that empowered his community and advanced economic equality.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the narrative highlights his collaborations with influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Through vibrant musical numbers and impactful dialogue, Quiet Parts Out Loud showcases Gaston’s resilience and unwavering commitment to unity and justice, celebrating the enduring spirit of the African American experience.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quiet-parts-out-loud-a-day-in-the-life-of-ag-gaston-tickets-1978448555889?aff=oddtdtcreator
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together (Teens - McNabb Branch)
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The teen group, open to participants ages thirteen through nineteen will meet on Wednesday, January 28th at 5:00 p.m., at the McNabb Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection will be “Rebellion 1776” by Laurie Halse Anderson. The novel, set in Boston during the spring of 1776, follows thirteen-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper as she faces the chaos of revolution and the terror of a deadly smallpox outbreak. Immune from childhood illness, Elsbeth becomes a caretaker for a wealthy family awaiting inoculation, caught between loyalty, survival, and the fires of rebellion.
Before the discussion, participants will view a 26-minute screening reel from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview offers an engaging overview of the era and includes an introduction by Ken Burns.
Copies of the book will be available at the McNabb Branch beginning in December. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/Yojq6.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation, and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
McDonough County Bicentennial
McDonough County is celebrating 200 years on January 25, 2026! The County has been pivotal in America 250 History, from its role in the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Movement, Rock and roll roots, Monopoly roots, Historic Railways, Road trips off Route 66, oversized portions of food (a cornerstone of Americana!), and Westward expansion.
Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock State Park
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites families, wildlife watchers and nature lovers to experience eagle-watching events across the state this winter.
The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Certain Illinois state parks and locations, including Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County and the Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds Museum in Fulton County, host eagle-watching programs during this period.
“Illinoisans can take advantage of numerous opportunities this winter to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring over our scenic waterways and river bluffs. Learning more about our national bird is especially relevant this year as the United States prepares to commemorate its founding 250 years ago,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Illinois is an excellent place to observe eagles. Bundle up, grab some binoculars and head outdoors for the awe-inspiring sight of our beloved and respected national symbol.”
Enjoy guided hikes, programs, activities and exhibits at four locations in Starved Rock Country: Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Village Hall Gym and Illinois Waterway Visitors. Go online for more details.
Voices of a Nation - Peoria Symphony Orchestra
This energetic concert's theme is based on America's 250th birthday! With pieces like Olympic Fanfare and Lincoln Portrait, it's a grand celebration of music and America.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together (Adults - Granville Branch, Virtual Optional)
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The adult group, open to participants ages nineteen and older, will meet on Tuesday, January 20th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection is “Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News” by Todd Andrlik, a richly illustrated, award-winning book that compiles original 18th-century newspaper articles to show how the Revolution was reported and understood, as it unfolded.
Before the discussion, participants will view a 26-minute screening reel from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview offers an engaging overview of the era and includes an introduction by Ken Burns.
Copies of the book will be available at the Granville Branch beginning in December. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/kVVT4.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation, and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Be a Part of History: Become a Citizen Archivist
Interested in the JFK assassination records? What about federal records about UFOs? The National Archives needs help transcribing original documents to make them easier for the public to access. Learn how to decipher cursive and create keyword tags in a short presentation before getting hands-on experience in contributing to the transcription process.
Creating a login using two-factor authentication for the National Archives will be required to contribute.
This program is limited in spaces and is first come, first served. Laptops will be provided. All ages are welcome. It is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For questions and more information, contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 6106.
Fiber Arts Club: Feed Sack Quilt Blocks
Welcome back to the Fiber Arts Club!
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, local fabric shop owner Rachael of MAD Fabric + Studio will present on the history of feed sacks and how they were repurposed. A staple in rural economic sewing, feed sacks are cotton bags used throughout the mid-19th century until the 1950s to transport dry goods such as grains, animal feed, soap, tobacco, and more. Rachael will bring reference examples of feed sacks and some materials for attendees to make a small quilt block with authentic feed sack pieces.
All skill levels are welcome to learn a new technique or bring your own project to work on. This club is an open format to try out different fiber arts and form a community of fiber friends! Enjoy tea or coffee and comforting background music. Intended for teens and adults. No registration is required.
For more information, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy - EXHIBIT
This panel exhibit will be on display in our Main Lobby from the New Year until February 6, 2026.
General's Ball
Join The Galena Generals for a night of dinner, dancing, music and fun with Galena’s nine Civil War Generals at the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Downtown Galena. Request to be seated with your favorite General! Period Dress encouraged but not required.
Hosmer-Williams Lecture: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates in Alton
Learn about the Lincoln Douglas Debate in Alton in 1858 during the Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series Thursday, Nov. 13 at Farley's Music Hall.
"The 1858 Lincoln Douglas Debates in Alton" will be presented by Dr. Erik Alexander, History Professor at SIUE. This lecture is free. Refreshments will be served.
Hamilton Auditions - Youth Civic Light Opera of Chicago
Open auditions for Hamilton: Hip-Hop, History, Revolution: The Re-Education of America
Open Auditions
Sat. 11/1: 10:30am – 2pm Amundsen (Roald) Park
Sun. 11/2/25: 2:30pm - 5pm Olive Harvey College
Mon. 11/3/25: 4pm - 7pm Malcolm X College
Call-back auditions November 8th, cast announcement November 15th.
Open to ages 10-17, all roles are open.
Actors*Singers*Dancers*Rappers*
What To Prepare/Bring:
*Headshot/Resume (if available)
*Sheet music - Give us your best 16 bars of a song/rap (piano accompanist provided)
*Clothes/shoes you can dance in
July 2026 performances, Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 rehearsals.
PLEASE CONTACT (312) 720-4997 FOR INFORMATION
Starved Rock Pow Wow
This Pow Wow was first held in 1962, started by the Sam Sine Family. We will share our cultural ways and describe the progression of this Pow Wow.
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME!
Grand Entry at 1 pm and 6pm
MC: Leonard Malatare
Head Man: Winfield Wounded Eye
Head Lady: Natalie Arguijo
Dancers, Native Vendors, Food, and Various Presentations!
NO DRUGS/ ALCOHOL PERMITTED
SR POW WOW COMMITTEE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS.
For more information, contact Gerald Savage:
815.228.6032 - gerald.savage@sbcglobal.net
WWW.STARVEDROCKPOWWOW.ORG
ILLINOIS VALLEY INTERTRIBAL ON FACEBOOK
American Dream Reconsidered Conference
The American Dream Reconsidered Conference: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s American Dream
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Roosevelt University will focus this year’s conference on the University’s namesakes—Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The Roosevelts had an enormous influence during a tumultuous time as President Roosevelt navigated the country through the Great Depression and WWII and as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt fought for social justice. Both created lasting legacies that continue to shape America today. The year 1945, marking the end of World War II and the founding of Roosevelt University, served as an inflection point. The University’s founding represented an idealism and determination to test boundaries in pursuit of the president’s Four Freedoms. The end of the war ushered in a period of terrific prosperity and optimism that led to an ascendant liberal order. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s New Deal and wartime programs, aimed at providing all Americans a measure of economic security, continued to expand in the ensuing decades, and the Civil Rights Movement led to profound gains in racial equality.
Now, in 2025, we are at another inflection point. Increasingly, these achievements have become sources of political conflict, and key elements of those legacies are being undermined. Everything from America’s place in the larger world order to federal support for racial and gender justice—once considered settled elements of the modern American state—is under attack. This conference will offer an opportunity to consider what was achieved during the Roosevelt era—and what may be lost. We hope these panels will help recapture the spirit of the Roosevelts and their optimism about what America could become and help push today’s students to consider how we can continue to move the nation in a more democratic and socially just direction.
Other Side of the Anvil
Two-day blacksmithing event that features forging and historic demonstrations, located on the lawn adjacent to the Stillman House. Multiple forging stations, complete with forge, anvil, vise and tools, will be fired up and skilled regional blacksmiths will provide hands-on instruction for visitors of all ages.
This is a unique opportunity to work hands-on with a coal forge and gain insight into what it is like to work at a 3,000-year-old craft. Persons of any age can participate, but those under 18 must have the signed permission of an adult and may, in some cases, need to be accompanied by an adult parent while they work. Safety glasses and gloves will be provided. Participants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.
Create a unique, hand-forged keepsake in this engaging workshop, open to participants aged 11 and older for just $10 per item. Children aged 10 and under are welcome to join the fun and create their own special memento at no cost.
10a-4p daily.
America 250: Humanities and History
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum cordially invites you to America 250: Humanities and History.
RSVP HERE: https://7615a.blackbaudhosting.com/7615a/Guild-Program-on-America-250
*Note: Illinois America 250 Chair Gabrielle Lyon will be speaking.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, history organizations are building understanding by presenting learning and engagement opportunities encouraging people of all ages to explore our American journey toward a more perfect union, and the many hands that have shaped our democracy. Guild members, and their guests, are invited to a special program featuring a dialogue between Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director of Illinois Humanities and Chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission; and Erica Griffin-Fabicon, Elizabeth F. Cheney Director of Education at CHM. Over coffee and pastries, learn about the vision and priorities of the Illinois America 250 Commission and how CHM will amplify them through our collaborative "Democracy 250: Chicago is a Civic City" project. Facing Freedom, CHM's permanent exhibit of which the Guild is underwriting the refurbishment, will be a central feature of the Museum's plans to commemorate America 250.
Questions? Please contact Nell McKeown at
mckeown@chicagohistory.org or 312-799-2112.
WTTW Presents: An Evening with Ken Burns
You’re invited to join Ken Burns and WTTW for an unforgettable evening at The Auditorium in Chicago on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
What: WTTW Presents: An Evening with Ken Burns
Where: The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, in Chicago
When: Thursday, September 25, 7:30 pm
This special preview event will feature selections from the epic new six-part, 12-hour film, The American Revolution, and a behind-the-scenes conversation with Ken Burns and filmmakers.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, explores how thirteen British colonies won independence and created a new government that reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe. The AMERICAN REVOLUTION premieres on WTTW in November 2025.
General public tickets available starting June 13th at 10 am Central. https://www.axs.com/events/974869/an-evening-with-ken-burns-tickets
The American Revolution with WQPB
WQPT PBS will be partnering with the Hauberg Museum to show a screening of The American Revolution at 10:00 am.
A discussion will follow after the screening with Christina Kastell, Curator of History and Anthropology from the Putnam Museum, Johnathan Buffalo, Historical Preservation Director of the Meskwaki Nations, Julie Nelson, Site Services Specialist from the Hauberg Museum and Neil Dahlstrom, local history author.
SAR Liberty Tree Dedication
Sponsor Kishwaukee Chapter, Illinois Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Galena Historical Society's Annual Cemetery Walk - Indoor
For those who would prefer not to trek outside, Galena-Jo Daviess Historical Society is offering indoor performance of their Annual Cemetery Walk. This performance explores the rugged lives of early settlers, sharing stories of prosperity and the challenges of intersecting cultures, politics, war and slavery.
The Cemetery Walk is one of the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society’s major fundraising events. A team of researchers, actors and supporters put countless hours of preparation into each year’s walk to create a remarkable experience.
America @ 250: Celebrating Our Freedom
The Semiquincentennial marks our nation's 250th birthday celebration! Discover how previous milestones like the 50th Jubilee, Centennial, Sesquicentennial, and Bicentennial were commemorated in our country. Presented by nationally known actor, Terry Lynch. Co-sponsored by the Addison Historical Society.
https://addisonadvantage.org/visitors/history_2/events.php