Illinois America 250 is an inclusive, statewide commemoration that uplifts local stories, places and programs, builds pride and showcases how Illinoisians bring the ideals of Declaration of Independence to life.
The Commissioners represent civic, nonprofit, educational and business sectors, as well as Native and tribal organizations, museums, higher education, arts organizations.
The priorities for the Illinois America 250 Commission are:
Youth engagement
Promoting local commemorations
Uplifting local stories and places
Recognizing service
Image caption. (Photo: CREDIT)
Commission Members
Gabrielle H. Lyon, Ph.D., Chair
Executive Director, Illinois Humanities
Ada Cheng
Educator, Artist, Storyteller
Brad Cole
CEO, Illinois Municipal League
Michelle Donahoe
Executive Director, DeKalb County History Center
Jennifer Edginton, Ed.D.
Director, Illinois State Museum
Rep. Edgar Gonzalez
Illinois House of Representatives, 23rd District
Judy Hackett
Andrew Johnson
Executive Director, Native American Chamber of Commerce Illinois
Lindsay Laren
Assistant Commissioner, Collections, Content and Access, Chicago Public Library
Elisa Marcus
International Marketing Manager, Illinois Office of Tourism
Read the Illinois America Commission Act here.
The Commission regularly updates meeting information. Updates and reports can be found below.
Sara Phalen, J.D., M.A.
Director, West Chicago City Museum; Director, Warrenville Historical Museum & Art Gallery; Board President, Kane DuPage Regional Museum Association
Kayla Pilgrim
Founder, The Civic Success Project; Member, Youth 250 Bureau
Gerald Savage
Chief White Winnebago, Ho-Chunk Nation Elder
Christina Shutt
Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Dick Simpson
Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois, Chicago
Sen. Doris Turner
Illinois State Senate, 48th District
Andy Van Meter
Sangamon County Board Chair; President, Design Ideas
Dorene Wiese
Chief Executive Officer, American Indian Association of Illinois