The Village of Ruma is celebrating the 250th by asking participants to wear RED WHITE and BLUE and to display American flags. The ride has many antique tractors and represents many of the years in farming.

This firework show and the accompanying concert is held each year on the Fourth of July at Engstrom Family Park in Batavia. The event includes food vendors and music by the Batavia Community Band. The fireworks show is organized by volunteers and funded through donations and fundraisers throughout the year, including the City-wide Garage Sale in May.

Celebrate America's birthday in style in Downtown Galena! Join the festivities at the Green Street Plaza with live entertainment, food, and beverages as you await the grand fireworks display at dusk. Gather at Grant Park and be mesmerized by a spectacular show of fireworks illuminating the night sky in honor of the Fourth of July. In addition to the celebrations at the Green Street Plaza and Grant Park, the Kiwanis Club of Galena supports the revival of the Annual Fourth of July Parade. The parade kicks off at 5:30 PM on Green Street in front of the Post Office and proceeds down Main Street, adding to the patriotic festivities.
Sponsored by: Kiwanis Club of Galena

A strong community tradition that has grown into an event that hosts thousands each year!

Stockton has a population of 2,000, but on July 4th thousands more take part in festivities and witness an amazing fireworks display. This celebration is easily the largest and longest-running in the region, having grown into an event throughout more than 50 years in existence.

Enjoy the famous Lions Club Chicken Dinner, games and contests, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a classic car show, more than 70 vendor booths, bounce houses, a kiddie tractor pull, BINGO, live entertainment and an astonishing fireworks display.

Looking for something to do before the fireworks begin? Why not celebrate the 4th the 1830's way?

Looking for something to do before the fireworks start? The Apple River Fort State Historic Site will be hosting a patriotic picnic on Friday, July 4th from noon until 2 pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lunch—or grab takeout from their favorite Elizabeth restaurant—and have a picnic on the lawn by the Fort.

Fort living history volunteers will present a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, toasts, and other speeches. Visitors may muster into Captain Stone’s militia, with one lucky winner receiving a signing bonus. There will also be a wide variety of games and activities, including:

• Captain Says, a fun challenge for all ages

• Graces, the popular 19th century game that tests your agility and dexterity

• Water races, to cool off in the hot July heat

• Town ball, a precursor to America’s Favorite Pastime
  and more! 

The Apple River Fort was the site of a battle during the 1832 Black Hawk War. About 45 men, women, and children defended the Fort from Black Hawk and 200 of his warriors. Today, the Fort tells the history of both the settlers and the Sauk and Fox tribes through exhibits, a dramatic interpretive film, and living history special events.

Included with general admission. Free ticket day for IL residents.

What actions will you take to be a more engaged citizen? How will you stay informed about issues affecting your community? Find inspiration, connect with community-serving organizations, and explore your creativity with multiple civic art workshops. Together, we’re learning from the past to write a better future. What will your chapter add to Chicago’s story?

Join the community for an action-packed day of family fun at Elizabeth Freedom Fest! Savor delicious food and drinks, and enjoy live music all evening, while your kids have their faces painted and bounce to their heart's content. The event's highlight takes place at 7 PM when the All Veteran’s Parachute Group make a thrilling parachute jump into Terrapin Park. Kids are welcome to help roll up the parachutes. As the sun sets, the night sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display, marking the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

Experience a pivotal moment in American history through this compelling adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Set against the backdrop of a nation on the verge of revolution, you’ll follow John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they confront political discord, personal struggles, and the urgent need to unify the Continental Congress in the pursuit of independence. Drawing from the letters and memoirs of the Founding Fathers, this production offers a thoughtful and resonant portrayal of the challenges and convictions that shaped the founding of the United States. The musical has a runtime of 141 minutes, is rated G, and is presented through public performance rights by SWANK.

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. Instead of a single commemorative event on Independence Day, our programming starts Juneteenth and continues with Civic Saturdays all leading toward our final program on Independence Day. Together, we’re learning from the past to write a better future. What will your chapter add to Chicago’s story?

Join us as we explore the city’s activist history to transform your ideas into action through workshops, tours, art projects, and documentaries about today’s issues.

Included with general admission. Free Ticket Day for Illinois residents.

The involvement of Metamora and its surrounding community in the Underground Railroad is a significant, yet largely unknown, aspect of Central Illinois history. Prior to assuming the presidency, Abraham Lincoln defended local “conductors” from Metamora. This issue ultimately pitted neighbors versus neighbors, and the potential for financial gain from capturing freedom seekers made Metamora a dangerous place.

This documentary aims to preserve the stories of Metamora’s crucial role during this contentious period in American history for future generations.

The documentary is a production of Ten Thirty-One Pictures Foundation in association with
Metamora Association for Historic Preservation. This film was made possible from the support of Illinois Humanities.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT. TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION. SEATING IS ONLY LIMITED TO VENUE CAPACITY AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. FOR GROUPS OR ASSISTANCE, PLEASE EMAIL SCREENINGS@TENTHIRTYONE.ORG.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-underground-railroad-in-metamora-premiere-screening-registration-1236977495989?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Wellington Book Club Saturday, June 21st at 10:00am on Zoom to start discussing Frederick Douglass by David W. Blight. Dr. Clinton Stockwell will lead our discussion on the first half - through Secession (p. 334). Professor Dick Simpson will lead the discussion on the second half of the book on July 19 at 10 a.m. on Zoom.

For more information on the book and this meet! ing, check out  Book Club (every third Saturday) – Wellington United Church of Christ

This year, presented in collaboration with the Floating Museum, the Chicago History Museum (CHM) is hosting the Founders inflatable at CHM on June 21, 2025, in support of Civic Season and to further promote awareness of underrepresented parts of Chicago’s history. During the program, the inflatable will be further activated with performances and related hands-on arts-making activities for youth and families.

Founders is a mobile monument and collaboration between Floating Museum, Chris Pappan (Kanza/Osage, Lakota), and Monica Rickert Bolter (Potawatomi/African-American/German).

It’s that time of year again—we’re gearing up for our annual Juneteenth Community BBQ! This year, Juneteenth falls during the Black Power Era month of study in our yearlong Introduction to African American Studies course, and we are proud to celebrate the spirit and legacy of Black Power as part of the day’s festivities.

Join us for a full day of celebration, reflection, and community! Enjoy a vibrant mix of education, entertainment, food, and local vendors as we honor Black history, culture, and freedom. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors—there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to celebrate Juneteenth with purpose and pride!

Free; RSVP required.

Celebrate Flag Day and honor America's rich history and the spirit of community with us on **Saturday, June 14, 2025**! This year, as we mark **250 years since Paul Revere’s Ride, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the birth of the United States Army**, let's come together to celebrate unity, pride, and the joy of shared traditions.

**📍 Event Schedule:**
1️⃣ **Presentation on the Father of Flag Day**
🕐 **1:00 PM - 2:00 PM**
📌 **City Council Chambers, City Hall** (100 N Island Ave, Batavia, IL)
Dive into history with a captivating presentation about Bernard Cigrand, the Father of Flag Day, by Illinois author Tom Emery, featuring his new book *"Stories of Historic Illinois Women."* Sponsored by the **Batavia Historical Society**.

2️⃣ **Annual Flag Day Celebration at the Flag Day Monument**
🕑 **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM**
📌 **Flag Day Monument** (across from Batavia City Hall)
- Musical performances by the Batavia Community Band 🎶
- Inspirational speakers
- Unveiling of new personalized bricks
- Sealing of time capsules 🕰️
- Guided tours of the monument
Featuring special guests like the **Fox Valley Patriotic Organization**, **Sons, Daughters, and Children of the American Revolution**, **Knights of Columbus Honor Guard**, SAR **Color Guard**, Veterans, City of Batavia First Responders, and Scouts.
🌐 Visit [flagdaymonument.com](http://flagdaymonument.com) for details.

3️⃣ **Festivities at Batavia Overseas VFW Post 1197**
🕓 **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM**
📌 **VFW Post 1197** (645 S River Rd, Batavia, IL)
Wrap up the day with:
- Fun-filled games 🎯
- Mouthwatering food trucks 🍔
- Drinks at the remodeled VFW bar 🍹
- Presentations on American history
- Revolutionary War marches 🥁

🎉 This celebration isn’t just about history—it’s about **community pride**, **unity**, and **fun** for everyone! Bring your family and friends, and let’s honor the past while building connections for the future. Together, we’ll make this Flag Day unforgettable!
#BataviaFlagDay #FlagDayCelebration #America250 #CommunityUnity #FunForAll #BataviaIllinois #HistoricalEvents

On Thursday, May 29 at 5:25 p.m., the Museum will dedicate a mural in downtown Bloomington that will celebrate Lincoln and his famous “Lost Speech.” The Illinois 33rd Regimental Band will perform a concert beginning at 4:45 p.m. on the east steps of the Museum. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show with the program to follow at 5:25 p.m. Local Lincoln Scholar Guy Fraker will provide remarks during the program.

Lincoln’s Lost Speech was the closing oration at the Bloomington Convention on May 29, 1856, which united several political parties in the anti-slavery movement and led to the founding of the Illinois Republican Party. Lincoln’s speech is one of the most pivotal points in his political career and ultimately led to his election as president.

The mural, designed and painted by artist Troy Freeman from Freesky Studios will be located across the street from Major’s Hall, on the west facing wall of Rosie’s Pub, where Lincoln delivered his famous “Lost Speech. Major’s Hall no longer stands, but is now the site of the Lincoln Parking Garage on Front Street.

4:45 p.m. – Preconcert of period Civil War music: 33rd Illinois Regimental Reenactment Band

5:25 p.m. – “Hail to the Chief”: Comments from Mr. Lincoln [impersonator] & Museum Leadership

5:35 p.m. – History of the Mural Project/coloring contest winners: Norris Porter, Director of Development (MCMH)

5:45 p.m. – Thoughts surrounding the “Lost Speech”: Guy Fraker, local Lincoln Scholar 

6:00 p.m. – Playing of Dixie and promenade with Mr. Lincoln from the Museum to the mural (1 block)

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at Second Presbyterian Church. For more information, please visit mchistory.org.

Part ritual, part performance, Re-Writing the Declaration invites the audience into an evolving conversation about freedom, belonging, and who gets to write history.

Guided by 2024/25 Performance resident Quenna Lené Barrett, we journey through past iterations of the work, weaving together memory, movement, and collective dreaming. Rooted in the Movement for Black Lives, this participatory performance centers Black women, femmes, nonbinary, and trans people of color to imagine a future where we are all truly free. Expect to build something together: a table, a poem, a playlist, a vision. Colonial wigs might come out. So might your voice.

Through video, sound, and live interaction, the past folds into the present to ask urgent questions about the stories we’ve inherited—and the ones we need now. You won’t just witness the show; you’ll shape it. Come ready to listen, reflect, speak, and create. Because this declaration isn't just being rewritten. It's being reclaimed.

Registration at the link below.

This year’s theme is “Becoming the United States of America: Songs of Liberty, Justice, and Unity.”

This theme marks the beginning of commemorating our country’s 250th anniversary. The American Revolution, which led to founding the United States, began in Massachusetts in April 1775. It culminated in adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; the official 250th is on July 4, 2026.

America250, a non-partisan initiative, is the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The Commission will inspire and orchestrate many events. We are hosting this event to help kick off the celebration. We’ll explore the ideals of liberty, justice, and unity through the power of song.

Tickets: https://woodstockfolkfestival.org/