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.
Joyful Resistance
For the first time in the museum’s history, Joyful Resistance brings together a multidisciplinary collection of works from the pioneering Black American artists, authors and designers across the nation, spanning generations.
A celebration of the enduring spirit, creativity, and agency of Black people across time and space, this exhibition honors the vibrant tapestry of Black life, where art becomes both a refuge and a rallying cry.
As the Peoria Riverfront Museum honors the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, we look to explore 250 years of our country’s art, history, scientific advancement and achievements.
In the first exhibition of a series commemorating America 250, Joyful Resistance shines a light on the myriad forms of Black expression; showcasing the vibrancy, resilience, and multiplicity of artistry within the Black American community.
The exhibition itself brings to attention the materiality of the objects within. Cultural signifiers like hair brushes, African black soap, and scrap fabric peek through the exhibition, a mosaic of the everyday life of Black Americans exalted as art.
Featuring works by Wadsworth Jarrell, one of the pioneers of the AfriCOBRA art movement, a signed first edition copy of “On Poems of Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” by Phyllis Wheatley, the first published Black author, and items worn by A’Lelia Walker, daughter of haircare mogul Madam C.J. Walker, this exhibition brings together art, literature, fashion and more to paint a vivid picture of Black American expression.
Generations of Black American art culminate in works by contemporary artists like Rashid Johnson, Mickalene Thomas and Kara Walker, who carry on the traditions of their predecessors while they forge their own path, looking on to the future and celebrating the past.
Many of the works featured in the exhibition come to the museum through some of the most pre-eminent collections in the nation, including the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, Art Bridges, Kavi Gupta Gallery, individuals like artist Felandus Thames and Suzanne McFayden, author and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker A'Lelia Bundles, and Seth Kaller, the nation's leading expert in rare historic documents.
The exhibition aims to empower all who visit, in seeing joy not as a denial of pain, but as a strategy of survival and a testament to resilience. Joyful Resistance invites you to witness how Black artists and communities have continually made space for themselves, for each other, and for generations to come.
Joy is radical. Joy is cultural. Joy is in the everyday.
Sponsored by Art Bridges Foundation, Ron and Carrie Givens and Family, Darlene Violet, Sharlyn Munns, America 250 supporters, Visionary Society, Illinois Arts Council, Friends of Bronzeville to Harlem
Log 250 for America's 250 on the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail thru Kane County
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by exploring one of the Midwest’s most beautiful natural treasures—the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail thru Kane County. In 2026, you’re invited to hike, bike, run, walk, roll, or paddle your way through 75, 125, or 250 trail miles as part of this once-in-a-generation event. Every mile you move becomes part of a nationwide celebration of adventure, wellness, and American history.
The Log 250 Challenge isn’t just a race—it’s a movement. A celebration. A chance to honor America’s past while exploring your own path forward. Sign up, start logging your miles, and make 2026 a year you’ll never forget.
• 40 miles of river and shoreline trails
• 400+ miles of interconnected land-based trails
• Convenient access to riverside communities filled with local restaurants, historic sites, and cultural attractions
Beyond Kane County, the entire 158-mile water trail flows through charming towns and iconic Midwestern landscapes—prairies, forests, rolling farms, scenic bluffs, and peaceful natural areas. With 27+ public access points, it’s easy to choose your own adventure, whether you’re paddling a few miles today, or walking a few next week, they all add up in this patriotic challenge.
Sign Up today to start logging your miles on the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail thru Kane County.
Log 75 Miles—Earn an Enamel Lapel Pin!
Whether you're a seasoned paddler, a weekend wanderer, or brand-new to the outdoors, the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail offers an unforgettable experience. *while supplies last
Log 125 Miles—Earn a Soft Royal Blue Tee
The Log 250 Challenge isn’t just a race—it’s a movement. A celebration. A chance to honor America’s past while exploring your own path forward. Sign up, start logging your miles, and make 2026 a year you’ll never forget. *while supplies last
Log 250 Miles—Earn a Custom Race Medal
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by exploring one of the Midwest’s most beautiful natural treasures—the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail thru Kane County. In 2026, you’re invited to hike, bike, run, walk, roll, or paddle your way through 75, 125, or 250 trail miles as part of this once-in-a-generation event. Every mile you move becomes part of a nationwide celebration of adventure, wellness, and American history. *while supplies last
Deep Rivers, Long Roads
Deep Rivers / Long Roads: The Journey of America invites visitors to consider the American saga as the nation embarks on its semiquincentennial celebration. This exhibition is an historic and artistic reflection on the winding road that has witnessed migrations, homecomings, heartbreaks, breakthroughs, and voices that resisted silence. Ever-blossoming from the optimism of industrialization to the hardened endurance of wartime, the ideals of a promised land, whether stitched into a quilt or frozen in a photograph, echo a nation forever becoming.
Drawing from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition traces the dream of America, celebrating 250 years of history and the lived experiences that shaped it. This exhibition honors the debt to those who built, questioned, challenged, rebuilt, and dared to sing their part.
I Hear America Singing
In conjunction with Deep Rivers / Long Roads | The Journey to America, the Peoria Riverfront Museum presents a signature performance: I Hear America Singing .
Inspired by Walt Whitman’s famous poem, I Hear America Singing weaves together a dynamic collection of music that reflects the nation’s evolving pursuit of liberty and the promises set forth in 1776. From traditional spirituals and work songs like “Deep River” and “Bound for the Promised Land,” to the works of celebrated composers and songwriters such as Paul Simon, Charles Ives, Jason Robert Brown, and Stephen Schwartz, this performance traces the American journey toward freedom, unity, and hope.
Part of the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026. Join us all year long for exhibitions on American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty, an exhibition guest curated by documentarian Ken Burns. Featuring a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and more, this exhibition will be the largest collection of some of the most important documents in American history on display during America 250.
The Promise Of Liberty
When the Signers of the Declaration of Independence declared that “all men are created equal,” they knew those words described an ideal, not a reality. Even the most forward-thinking Founders were shaped by the limits and prejudices of their time. Yet they risked everything for a revolutionary idea: that government exists to serve its people, not rule over them—and that liberty belongs to all.
The Promise of Liberty invites visitors of all ages to explore that daring experiment and its lasting impact. This powerful exhibition looks honestly at America’s aspirations, achievements, contradictions, and unfinished work, inspiring today’s citizens—and tomorrow’s—to imagine a stronger democracy and a more inclusive society.
At the heart of the exhibition is a simple but enduring idea: E Pluribus Unum—Out of Many, One. America’s strength has always come from its people. From every background, ability, belief, identity, and walk of life, generations have shaped the nation’s evolving promise of freedom and equality. Here, that story is told as a living, shared inheritance.
Through a remarkable collection of authentic historic documents, The Promise of Liberty reintroduces the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other cornerstones of freedom not just as artifacts of the past, but as tools for the present. Democracy is presented as a form of technology—a system designed to solve problems, balance competing interests, and adapt over time. Imperfect and challenging, yes—but still humanity’s most powerful framework for self-government.
The exhibition features some of the most significant documents and objects in U.S. history, including:
A 1776 edition of the Declaration of Independence
The first printing of the United States Constitution
Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington
George Washington’s famed “To Bigotry No Sanction” letter, articulating a radical vision of religious freedom
A Constitutional Convention cover letter emphasizing the necessity of compromise
A presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation championing education and science
A copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech, expanding on the founding documents as a “promissory note” for all Americans
The Mitchell Map, used during the Treaty of Paris to define the boundaries of the newly independent United States
A rare life mask of George Washington, one of only two known casts taken directly from life in 1785
Meriwether Lewis’s 1814 tomahawk, carried during the expedition that reshaped the nation’s future
The Promise of Liberty is not just an exhibition about history. It’s an invitation—to reflect, to discuss, and to participate. Come discover how words written centuries ago continue to shape our lives today, and how each of us plays a role in fulfilling the promise they set in motion.
Experience the exhibition. Engage the ideas. Help shape what comes next.
Through the Eyes of Geneva: A Local Perspective on 250 Years of American History
From presidential visits to patriotic parades, "Through the Eyes of Geneva”explores how the people of Geneva, Illinois have experienced, contributed to, and commemorated key moments in American history over the past 250 years. Through photographs, personal stories, artifacts, and interviews, this exhibition reveals a uniquely local lens on national events—from the struggle for women’s suffrage to the aftermath of 9/11.
Organized into thematic chapters, this exhibition highlights Geneva’s deep civic pride, its role in honoring veterans, its response to national crises, and its celebratory spirit during pivotal American anniversaries.
Athletes: Peoria Plays America
The Peoria region has shaped athletes who changed their sports forever. Emerging from neighborhood courts, practice fields, school gyms, and recreation centers, Peoria has nurtured athletes whose influence stretched far beyond the city limits into the nation and the world. Each focused exhibition in this series highlights a notable member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame who, set records, broke barriers, and redefined what was possible in their sport.
Featuring icons such as Shaun Livingston, Tim Broe, Lorene Ramsey, and Curley “Boo” Johnson, this showcase honors athletes and coaches whose extraordinary achievements echo far beyond central Illinois. Their journeys, while rooted in Peoria, carried onto national and global platforms to inspire pride, resilience, and ambition. Through their triumphs, the exhibition celebrates a legacy of athletic brilliance that continues to shape Peoria’s identity and ignite the dreams of future champions.
Part of the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026. Join us all year long for exhibitions on American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty, an exhibition guest curated by documentarian Ken Burns. Featuring a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and more, this exhibition will be the largest collection of some of the most important documents in American history on display during America 250.
The Long Road to Liberty: 250 Years of Civil Rights in America with Seth Kaller
Step inside the stories behind the documents that changed the world.
Written by civil rights leaders like Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., these documents tell the story of our nation and the road we still travel to the liberty promised by our founding fathers.
Join special advisor to the museum and guest curator of The Promise of Liberty , Seth Kaller, to discuss how the centerpiece exhibition for the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250 came to be. Kaller will be joined by Peoria Riverfront Museum Board Member, Aaron Kilgore.
Tickets
Member Adult: $15
Adult: $20
Get tickets HERE
Seth Kaller is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on rare historical documents and has personally procured the majority of the extraordinary works featured in the exhibition. On opening day of The Promise of Liberty, he will join the museum’s President and CEO, John Morris, to share how this extraordinary exhibition came to life—from the search for these foundational documents to the stories they tell about the ideals that shaped a nation. The conversation, which will take an in-depth look at documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation, among others.
The discussion will also explore why bringing this exhibition to Peoria, Illinois matters, offering insight into the power of experiencing history firsthand and the enduring relevance of liberty, democracy, and civic responsibility today.
This engaging conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at an exhibition of national significance—and a deeper appreciation for the documents that continue to define the American experiment.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
Docs & Dialogue: Triangle Fire (McNabb Branch)
It was the deadliest workplace accident in New York City’s history. On March 25th, 1911, a dropped match on the eighth floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory sparked a fire that killed more than one hundred workers who were trapped inside. The tragedy marked a turning point in American industrial history, leading to major reforms in labor laws and workplace safety. This 54-minute film is rated PG and is available through Kanopy. The program is free and open to the public.
Docs & Dialogue: Blue Carbon (Condit Branch)
Blue Carbon is told through the perspective of Grammy-nominated music producer, DJ, and environmental toxicologist Jayda Guy. Featuring a score by RZA and music by Seu Jorge, the documentary brings together science and storytelling to examine the emerging role of coastal ecosystems in addressing climate change. Filmed in the United States, Senegal, Vietnam, France, Colombia, and Brazil, the film explores the science behind “blue carbon,” the ability of salt marshes, seagrasses, and mangroves to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Through encounters with wildlife such as Florida manatees, humpback whales, and the American crocodile, and by highlighting community-driven conservation efforts, the documentary offers a thoughtful look at both the urgency and the potential of protecting these vital ecosystems.
The film is 1 hour and 24 minutes, not rated, and made possible through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Tangled Bank Studios. The program is free and open to the public.
The Founding Mothers of America
Laura Keyes, of Historic Voices, presents an illustrated lecture on the remarkable, and often unsung, women who had first-hand views of the founding of the nation. Learn about their stories, history, bravery, and surprising legacies during Women's History Month. Free, open to all.
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.
VIRTUAL: Food of our Forefathers
This program is online only so preregistration is a must.
https://mendotamuseums.org/product/foods-of-our-forefathers/
Patri-rock-ic Painting Event (Copy)
Paint rocks with red, white, and blue glitter and paint to celebrate the Semiquincentennial.
Docs & Dialogue: News Matters (Granville Branch)
The deadly siege at the United States Capitol in 2021 exposed the consequences of widespread anger and baseless conspiracy theories. At the same time, the disappearance of more than 2,000 newspapers nationwide has revealed a direct link between the decline of trusted local news and the rise of dangerous misinformation. As reliable sources vanish, many communities are left without accurate, independent reporting, deepening a national misinformation crisis.
News Matters explores this cause-and-effect relationship by examining the erosion of America’s newspaper industry and its implications for democratic institutions. The film follows the high-profile effort to save The Denver Post, highlighting the broader struggle to preserve local journalism at a time when its role in American democracy is increasingly at risk. The film is 1 hour, and 24 minutes , not rated and made possible through Kanopy. This program is free and open to the public.
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.
Making a More Perfect Union: FREE Art Workshop for All Ages
Make art and make history - America is turning 250!
In this free, drop-in workshop, artists of all ages will engage in the process of creating a more perfect union through original artworks that explore and express big ideas about our shared and individual histories as Americans.
This workshop is free, and all materials will be provided. We will meet at the McLean County Arts Center, located at 601 N. East St. in Bloomington.
Completed artworks may be showcased in the A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250 exhibition at the McLean County Arts Center in June and July 2026. It is not expected that artworks will be completed within the workshop.
Want to know more about the semiquincentennial and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
Questions about this event? Please contact the MCAC via email at info@mcac.org or over the phone at 309-829-0011.
Rockford Peaches and the AAGPBL
During the 1940s, male professional baseball players left the field to lend a hand in WW2 war efforts. To keep the game alive, Chicago Cubs’ owner Philip K. Wrigley and others started the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which lasted from 1943-1954. Rockford’s own team, The Peaches, were one of the best teams in the league, winning the championship four times, more than any other team. Today many people know of the Peaches through the 1992 Hollywood film, A League of Their Own.
Provided by Midway Village Museum, this presentation is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is open to all ages and sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Registration is not required.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Hits of the Ragtime Era
Pop music comes and goes, but some songs from over 100 years ago are just as fresh in the mind as the day they were written. The Entertainer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, St. Louis Blues, and Ballin’ the Jack are still familiar, but even when they first hit the scene, these songs were recognized as having something special.
We’ll look at some of the songs that captivated the public and how their popularity continued into the present, and we’ll also share some songs and rags that were hits back in their day. So to quote Irving Berlin, “come on along” for a great hour of ragtime and some early jazz and blues!
“Cherry & Jerry” is Isaac Cherry on percussion and Jerry Rabushka on piano. Based in St. Louis, the duo is also part of the larger “Ragged Blade Band,” and has toured music of the ragtime era throughout a several state area. They’ve found this music is great for good times – brewpubs, wineries, markets, festivals, and more! They’ve appeared in the Big River Steampunk Festival in Hannibal, MO, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Chicago and Tulsa, the RAGBRAI bicycle event in Iowa, and the St. Louis World’s Fare in their hometown.
This free event is open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Patri-rock-ic Painting Event
Paint rocks with red, white, and blue glitter and paint to celebrate the Semiquincentennial.
Making a More Perfect Union: FREE Art Workshop for Third Grade and Up
Make art and make history - America is turning 250!
In this drop-in, 2-hour workshop, young artists (third grade and up), as well as their adults, will engage in the process of creating a more perfect union through original artworks that explore and express big ideas about our shared and individual histories as Americans.
This workshop is free, and all materials will be provided. We will meet at the Danvers Public Library, located at 117 E. Exchange St. in Danvers, Illinois.
Completed artworks may be showcased in the A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250 exhibition at the McLean County Arts Center in June and July 2026. It is not expected that artworks will be completed within the workshop.
Want to know more about the semiquincentennial and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
Docs & Dialogue: Elvis and the USS Arizona (Granville Branch)
The surprising story of how one of music’s biggest icons helped establish a memorial to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Elvis Presley’s benefit concert on March 25, 1961, drew national attention to the unfinished memorial and helped galvanize the public support needed to complete the USS Arizona Memorial as it stands today. The film runs 60 minutes, is rated PG, and is made possible through the WWII Foundation. The program is free and open to the public.
National Treasures
From amber waves of grain to purple mountain majesties, celebrate the wonders of America's National Parks with hands-on nature-based activities, scientific explorations, and crafts. For grades 3-5.
Gunmakers of Illinois: A History of Craftsmanship and Community (Granville Branch)
Step into Illinois’s rich firearms-making past with local historian Curt Johnson in this educational presentation exploring the skilled gunmakers who produced long rifles throughout the Illinois Valley during the mid- to late-1800s. The program features original rifles crafted by local makers from communities including Magnolia, Hennepin, Henry, Peru, LaSalle, Princeton, and Ottawa, bringing regional craftsmanship and history vividly to life.
Featured makers include Henry Tope, who worked in Magnolia from 1844 to 1848 before relocating to Peru, where he died during the 1849 cholera epidemic, and Morris Wood of Hennepin, whose rifles date to the late 1860s. The presentation also highlights the work of many other craftsmen from Putnam, Marshall, Bureau, and LaSalle Counties, regions that collectively supported dozens of independent gunmakers, with LaSalle County alone home to nearly sixty.
This program includes the display of antique firearms as part of a historical and educational exploration of craftsmanship and local history. It is not a gun show. The program is free and open to the public.
Abigail Adams: Revolutionary America
The American Colonists have signed the Declaration of Independence; it is July of 1776; General George 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 and dramatic portrayal by historian Becky Tulloch examines Abigail Adams' experiences living in and around Boston prior to and during the early years of the American Revolution. This program is sponsored by the Village of Winfield.
Registration is required for this event. Registration will close March 24th @ 7pm.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together - Teens (McNabb Branch)
Teens ages 13 through 19 are invited to a hybrid community book club that brings readers together to explore the American Revolution through shared reading, conversation, and film. Each month, participants will watch a preview from the PBS documentary The American Revolution by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, along with additional short videos connected to the featured book, before taking part in an informal discussion.
The featured title for this session is “The World Turned Upside Down,” by Tim Grove, a compelling account of the Siege of Yorktown, the final major battle of the American Revolution, told through multiple perspectives. Grove follows the intersecting lives of American, French, and British figures, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, and British General Charles Cornwallis, as well as an enslaved man who became a spy. By blending military leadership with civilian experience, the book reveals how the events at Yorktown permanently altered the course of the war and the lives of those involved.
The program runs approximately 45–60 minutes and is free and open to the public. To register virtually, please visit: https://shorturl.at/uvd2o. Copies of the book are available at the McNabb Branch.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together – Youth (Condit Branch)
Youth, ages 8 through 14, are invited to a hybrid community book club that brings readers together to explore the American Revolution through shared reading, conversation, and film. Each month, participants will watch a preview from the PBS documentary The American Revolution by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, along with additional short videos connected to the featured book, before taking part in an informal discussion.
The featured titles for this session are “Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and the Battle of Bunker Hill,” by Nathaniel Philbrick and “Forge,” by Laurie Halse Anderson. Ben’s Revolution brings the opening days of the American Revolution to life through the eyes of a young boy caught up in the Battle of Bunker Hill, while Forge follows a teenage soldier enduring the brutal winter at Valley Forge and the personal cost of fighting for independence.
The program runs approximately 45–60 minutes and is free and open to the public. To register virtually, please visit: https://shorturl.at/u8coq. Copies of the book are available at the Condit Branch.
The Founding Mothers: Unsung Women of the Revolution - Hybrid
The American Revolution was not won by soldiers and statesmen alone. This lecture highlights the courageous and often overlooked women who played vital roles in the fight for independence—as spies, soldiers, fundraisers, writers, and homefront heroes. From battlefield bravery to political protest, discover the powerful stories of the women whose contributions helped shape a new nation. Please Register
Mrs. Lincoln's Salon
Celebrate Women's History Month with a visit from Mary Todd Lincoln herself, as portrayed by professional actress Debra Ann Miller. A sympathetic, but realistic, portrait of Mrs. Lincoln, based on actual letters. We join Mrs. Lincoln in her salon in the Blue Room on April 4, 1865.
Making a More Perfect Union: FREE Art Workshop for Third Grade and Up (Copy)
Make art and make history - America is turning 250!
In this drop-in, 2-hour workshop at Normal Public Library, teens and adults will engage in the process of creating a more perfect union through original artworks that explore and express big ideas about our shared and individual histories as Americans. This workshop is free, and all materials will be provided. Please visit normalpl.org for more information.
Completed artworks may be showcased in the A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250 exhibition at the McLean County Arts Center in June and July 2026. It is not expected that artworks will be completed within the workshop.
Want to know more about the semiquincentennial and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information
Docs & Dialogue: Radioactive: The Women of Three Mile Island (Granville Branch)
An award-winning documentary examining the 1979 Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station accident, the worst commercial nuclear meltdown in U.S. history, and its lasting aftermath. Featuring Jane Fonda, the film reveals the untold stories of four determined homemakers who challenged the plant operator all the way to the Supreme Court, alongside a young journalist caught in the middle of the crisis. Decades later, the women, legal advocates, and the reporter reflect on corporate silence, nuclear industry doublespeak, and the enduring moral, political, and human consequences that continue to shape the community and future generations. The film is 1 hour, and 17 minutes, not rated and made possible through Kanopy. The program is free and open to the public.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together – Adults (Granville Branch)
Adults, ages 19 and older, are invited to a hybrid community book club that brings readers together to explore the American Revolution through shared reading, conversation, and film. Each month, participants will watch a preview from the PBS documentary The American Revolution by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, along with additional short videos connected to the featured book, before taking part in an informal discussion.
The featured title for this session is “The Notorious Benedict Arnold,” by Steve Sheinkin. This fast-paced, engaging biography explores the complex story behind America’s most infamous traitor, who was also once one of its most effective Revolutionary War heroes. Drawing on firsthand accounts and vivid battle scenes, the book portrays Arnold as reckless, ambitious, and deeply flawed, tracing his rise as a daring military leader and the political rivalries that ultimately led to his betrayal of the Patriot cause. Widely praised for its clarity and narrative drive, the book offers adult readers a nuanced and compelling look at the moral tensions and personal decisions that shaped the Revolutionary era.
The program runs approximately 45–60 minutes and is free and open to the public. To register virtually, please visit: https://shorturl.at/FalKH. Copies of the book are available at the Granville Branch.
Hybrid: An Introduction to News Media Literacy - Civic Empowerment Series 2026
Our media ecosystem today is increasingly messy, with a mix of professionally produced and user-generated content that often blurs together on platforms like YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has added yet another layer of complexity, making it even easier for misleading or fabricated material to appear credible. In this session, Dr. Michael A. Spikes, of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, explores how this blending of sources—and now AI-generated material—creates a “blurring of the lines” between types of content, making it harder to know what to trust. Patrons leave the workshop with practical skills for assessing the credibility of information from different outlets and strategies for building a set of reliable sources you can return to regularly.
About the Speaker: Michael Spikes, Ph.D., has been teaching, writing about, and developing curriculum on the subject of News Media Literacy and its production for more than 15 years. Currently, he is a Professor of Practice and the Program Director of Teach for Chicago Journalism at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Before joining Northwestern, Michael was a project manager for the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University.
The Civic Empowerment Series 2026 is brought to you in partnership with Skokie Public Library, Vernon Area Public Library, Blue Island Public Library, Highland Park Public Library, Aurora Public Library District, La Grange Public Library, Fox River Valley Public Library, Algonquin Area Public Library District, Roselle Public Library and Oak Park Public Library.
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.
Citizen Science Month @ the Library (Granville, McNabb, Condit Branches)
April is Citizen Science Month, and the Library invites the community to take part in hands-on projects that contribute to 2.5 Million Acts of Science, a national America250 initiative celebrating civic participation and discovery. Citizen science empowers everyday people to support real scientific research by observing and sharing information about the world around them.
Featured projects include Stream Selfie, which helps document the health of local streams through shared photos; Globe at Night, an international effort to measure and raise awareness of light pollution; and iNaturalist, a global platform for recording plants and wildlife to help scientists monitor biodiversity. Information on how to participate in all three citizen-science projects is available at the Library. All projects are free and open to the public and are suitable for adults and families alike.
Do NASA LIVE! – What’s the Weather Like on Mars? Cloudspotting on Mars (Granville Branch)
What’s really happening in the Martian sky? Scientists are eager to find out, and the public can help. Cloudspotting on Mars invites participants to examine NASA images for signs of clouds above the Red Planet, contributing to real scientific research on daily and seasonal weather patterns.
Using data from the Mars Climate Sounder aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, participants will help identify high-altitude water-ice and carbon-dioxide clouds. These observations support ongoing research into Mars’s climate and offer clues about the planet’s past, including conditions that may once have supported liquid water. Participants will learn how to recognize and label cloud features so scientists can study how Martian clouds form and evolve over time.
This program will be in-person, livestreamed by SciStarter, at the Granville Branch, allowing participants to contribute data and chat with scientists in real time. Attendees should bring their own devices, laptops are recommended, followed by tablets, and charging cords for the two-hour program.
The event is part of Acts of Science: Connected, a Citizen Science Month collaboration with SciStarter and NASA Citizen Science. No science background is required, just curiosity and an interest in exploring Mars. The program is free and open to the public.
Happy Semiquincentennial, America! 250 Reasons Why America is Still Worth Celebrating
Fall in love with America again. In this lively and warm presentation, Jay Payleitner shares readings and reflections inspired by his timely book, Happy Semiquincentennial, America!
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
Americas 250th Lecture Series: Colonists vs Britain
Army Sustainment Command historians from Rock Island Arsenal present a series of lectures on the founding of the nation. April topic: British government actions that led to growing dissatisfaction among colonialists, and the impact of Enlightenment philosophy on the Continental Congress. Free, 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.
Risking It All - The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were these fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar, like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Others — like Button Gwinnett — are not. There are some good stories of lesser-known Americans in this talk: who they were, what role they played in independence, and what consequences they suffered after they signed the Declaration.
Presented by Joyce Haworth who has a master's degree in history from the University of Chicago. For over twenty years, she has been developing and presenting history lectures for active adults all over the Chicago area. Her talks bring history to life and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our nation's story.
The Great War: World War I Days
The sights and sounds of The Great War will come to life when over 200 reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians from the United States and Europe come together in the museum’s historic village. This is a unique, not-to-miss immersive experience! See how soldiers lived and fought as you tour encampments, inspect a 150-yard trench system*, and witness narrated battle reenactments.
Democracy Dialogues: "Pursuit of Happiness"
This is the second discussion of the series and will focus on the "Pursuit of Happiness." The historical context will be provided by Erik Rankin, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University and President and CEO of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.
We will meet at the YMCA located at 202 St. Joseph Dr. in Bloomington.
Registration is encouraged but not required to participate. Please visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register.
Want to know more about this series and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
ARTworks: The Stars and Stripes of Me
This event, hosted by Illinois Art Station, complements our series of community art workshops leading up to A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250.
Kiddos ages five and up, as well as their grownups, are encouraged to drop by to create a mixed-media artwork inspired by the symbolism of the American flag. Using guided prompts, artists will choose stars, stripes, colors, and textures that represent their own identity, experiences, and connections — transforming a familiar symbol into a personal story. This workshop celebrates the many voices that come together to form a more perfect union. All materials will be provided.
Artwork created may be developed further and submitted for inclusion in the exhibit opening at the McLean County Arts Center this summer. Please visit mchistory.org/250 to learn more about the exhibit, the semiquincentennial, and how we’re marking this milestone.
Pre-registration is required for this workshop. Please register here: https://tickets.normalil.gov/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=538784~c3f7c067-fbcf-45af-afc4-ea2ed6167288&epguid=453218cb-3eb2-4dfc-a8fa-5ceade931c4a&mdy=4/23/2026&
Questions? Email ias@normal.org
Cafe, Conchas y Mango Street
Ballet 5:8 presentará fragmentos del libro La Casa en Mango Street de Sandra Cisneros. Esperanza una joven chicana busca entender lo que significa pertenecer, soñar y crecer entre dos culturas.
Ballet 5:8 presentará fragmentos del libro La Casa en Mango Street de Sandra Cisneros. Esperanza una joven chicana busca entender lo que significa pertenecer, soñar y crecer entre dos culturas. Cafecito, conchas, danza, y plática bilingüe—con libro gratis. Este proyecto fue apoyado por el National Endowment for the Arts y Arts Midwest como parte de America 250.
Ballet 5:8 will feature excerpts from the book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Esperanza, a young Chicana seeks to understand what it means to belong, dream and grow between two cultures. Café + conchas + performance excerpts + bilingual discussion—plus a free book.This project was supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest as a part of America 250.
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.
Lost Treasures of the Titanic
James Cameron’s Titanic told the invented story of the Heart of the Ocean, a fictional blue diamond necklace lost tragically in the ship’s famous sinking. But what about the real treasures that were lost when the Titanic sank? For over a century, the world has been intrigued by the story of the Titanic. When tragedy struck on April 14, 1912, in addition to the incredible loss of life, a nearly incalculable amount of goods plummeted into the ocean, never to be seen again. This lecture takes a closer look at and tells the stories of some of the more interesting and valuable treasures lost on that fateful night.
Speaker Bio:
Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. She has a decade of teaching experience and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area.
Her discoveries in the art world have garnered her international attention. She studied at Drew University.
This presentation is in partnership with other area libraries.
Freedom and the Founding
As part of our University’s Stand Tall for Freedom events in commemoration the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, renowned journalist, author, and political commentator Jonah Goldberg will present a lecture on freedom and America’s founding. As a pivotal contribution to the rise of the free society, the American Revolution was a truly radical event in its day and may still be the most important political event in history.
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
Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence
What does our country's most famous document say, and why? What did “all men are created equal” mean to the Revolutionary generation? What were the specific incidents behind that long list of crimes of the King? Join historian Joyce Haworth as she tackles the Declaration phrase by phrase and examines the “three declarations” that it contains. You will come away with an understanding of the historical background and an appreciation of this magnificent document.
https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15746939
Rudy Galfi Book Talk & Signing
Local author Rudy Galfi describes the harrowing times his grandparents faced in WW2 Europe, and how they fled to America. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Please register.
In partnership with the Elgin History Museum.
This Land is Your Land: The Songs of Woodie Guthrie
This Land Is Your Land is a program that combines music performance (guitar and vocal) and spoken commentary. The program features songs by legendary folksinger and songwriter Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie (1912-1967), as well as commentary on the time period and each song. This commentary frames the program in a larger historical context, and offers specific details on Guthrie's songs and his biography. The program also includes two singalong songs. The presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme "We the People." This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation's promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of "the people." 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.
Vote Out Loud Black Tie Gala
https://www.projectxvmuseum.com/upcoming-events
Tickets: https://checkout.page/s/fDIYAxxbfqPcq
Elgin Master Chorale presents "That This Nation Shall Live" featuring Stacy Garrop's Terra Nostra
The Elgin Master Chorale closes our 79th season with a bold and thoughtful program centered on Stacey Garrop’s Terra Nostra, exploring environmental responsibility through the lens of the American legacy. In collaboration with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, EMC is proud to present a performance that inspires action and hope.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy -
Visit Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, on display April 20 through May 15 in the library’s Illinois Room during regular open hours.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching of American history. Declaration 1776 is a seven-panel pop-up exhibition that explores the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibit is geared towards teens and adults.
Exhibit highlights include:
The historical context surrounding the drafting of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration’s influence on American democracy and civil rights movements
This exhibition is made possible through the generosity of friends and family honoring the memory of the late Dr. William Kuhn.
Declaration 1776 Companion Programs
The Story of Rebecca Boone
Hear the heartfelt story of Rebecca Boone presented in costume by Angie Chute, who will help bring history to life at the library on April 16 at 6:30 PM. Through her engaging storytelling, Chute will share the challenges and triumphs of frontier life from Rebecca Boone’s perspective. This special program offers a unique glimpse into early American history and the strength of pioneer women. Join us for an evening of living history you won’t soon forget.
Illinois in the American Revolution
Join us April 30 at 6:30 PM for a program with author, presenter, and historian Tom Emery. Emery will highlight Illinois’ dominant Revolutionary War figure, George Rogers Clark, focusing on his daring captures of Kaskaskia and Vincennes — including his grueling advance through frigid, chest-deep water. The program will also explore Clark’s lieutenants, the British officers who opposed them, key Illinois engagements, and perspectives on the state’s American Revolution history.
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
ARTworks: The Stars and Stripes of Me
This event, hosted by Illinois Art Station, complements our series of community art workshops leading up to A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250.
Kiddos ages five and up, as well as their grownups, are encouraged to drop by to create a mixed-media artwork inspired by the symbolism of the American flag. Using guided prompts, artists will choose stars, stripes, colors, and textures that represent their own identity, experiences, and connections — transforming a familiar symbol into a personal story. This workshop celebrates the many voices that come together to form a more perfect union. All materials will be provided.
Artwork created may be developed further and submitted for inclusion in the exhibit opening at the McLean County Arts Center this summer. Please visit mchistory.org/250 to learn more about the exhibit, the semiquincentennial, and how we’re marking this milestone.
Pre-registration is required for this workshop. https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=538784~c3f7c067-fbcf-45af-afc4-ea2ed6167288&epguid=453218cb-3eb2-4dfc-a8fa-5ceade931c4a&mdy=4/23/2026&
Questions? Email ias@normal.org
Nature For All
Learn about the women who shaped the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s first century—from founding Illinois’s fourth district to launching a highly successful volunteer program. Register
Presenter Al Watts is a South Elgin husband, father of four, author, speaker, Civil War Re-enactor, and Professional Historian. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County contracted Al in 2024 to research, write, and share its 100 year history for its Centennial Celebration in 2025.
This program is in partnership with the Wild Ones of Greater Kane County.
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.
Paul Revere: Dispelling the Myth
Join David Gain, Curator of the Paul Revere House in Boston, for an engaging look at the life and legacy of one of America’s most iconic patriots. This program explores how much of the Midnight Ride story holds up to history while revealing lesser-known aspects of Revere’s life as a skilled silversmith, businessman, Freemason, devoted family man, and active participant in the American Revolution. Presented by the Paul Revere Memorial Association, which operates the Paul Revere House and preserves a nationally significant collection of 17th- and 18th-century artifacts, this talk offers fresh insight into the man behind the legend and the enduring relevance of his story today.
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.”
Paul Revere: Dispelling the Myth (Copy)
Join David Gain, Curator of the Paul Revere House in Boston, for an engaging look at the life and legacy of one of America’s most iconic patriots. This program explores how much of the Midnight Ride story holds up to history while revealing lesser-known aspects of Revere’s life as a skilled silversmith, businessman, Freemason, devoted family man, and active participant in the American Revolution. Presented by the Paul Revere Memorial Association, which operates the Paul Revere House and preserves a nationally significant collection of 17th- and 18th-century artifacts, this talk offers fresh insight into the man behind the legend and the enduring relevance of his story today.
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
Risking It All: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were the fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar. Others — like William Whipple or Button Gwinnett — are not. Join Joyce Haworth to discover some lesser-known Founders, the roles they played, and the consequences they suffered after signing the Declaration.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Register to receive the information to join.
https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15746987
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
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/
LIBERATION OF ROME BREAKOUT FROM ANZIO
Small admission fee: Veterans with proof of service $5.00. children; 6 and under free, 7-12 $5.00, 13 and older $10.00, Seniors 65 and older $5.00
Reenactment: LIBERATION OF ROME BREAKOUT FROM ANZIO
All Western Theatre Allied, Commonwealth and Axis and Civilian impressions are welcome. The event will be hosted by the 5th Kompaine GrossDeutschland unit and will be WWIIHRS event. The event is open to all recognized national umbrella organization members.
Friday the 15th is Education Day for area Junior High Student, Saturday and Sunday open to public; Saturday and Sunday Admission; Veterans $5.00 with proof of service,
Children; Ages 5 and under Free,
ages 6-12 $5.00, 13 through adult $10.00,
Follow us for updates on advance and 2 day sales
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.
America250: Meet Benjamin Franklin!
In this historical dramatization, Terry Lynch will portray Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most brilliant founders!
Step into the world of one of America’s most brilliant founders! Benjamin Franklin was the sole individual who played a key role in drafting five foundational documents that shaped our nation. Discover how his diplomacy, ingenuity, and innovative thinking helped turn the daring endeavor of establishing a new nation into reality.
Terry Lynch has been a professional actor performing on stage, T.V., film, and radio in the Chicagoland area for more than 40 years. He has also appeared regularly on the WGN Morning Show. He and his wife Laura, a certified educator, began Histories for Kids / HFK Presents more than 20 years ago as a way to bring history to life for all ages.
Photography Policy: By attending Library programs, you consent to being photographed or recorded. These images and recordings may be used for promotional materials such as the Library’s website, social media, and newsletters. Please inform a staff member if you do not wish to be photographed or recorded.
Accessibility: The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request a specific accommodation, please contact the Library. View our accessibility page at https://gpld.org/accessibility.
Emigration and Immigration: The Story of Your Ancestors
Your immigrant ancestors are the foundation of your roots in the U.S. Learn how to find emigration, immigration, and naturalization records through more than 30 resources and uncover interesting details of your ancestors' journey to their new lives in America.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Register to receive the information to join.
https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16219193
Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest and Parade
Kick off America 250 event with parade, rib cookoff, festival, family activities, bands and fireworks.
Memorial Day Ceremony: America 250th Anniversary Commemoration
https://geneseo.org/events/
Wild Bill Days
The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to join us for a weekend filled with family fun and entertainment celebrating LaSalle County's most famous native, Wild Bill Hickok. An 8 scene reenactment as well as an 80 minute live arena show will be sure to captivate the family!
America250 Celebration
Join community members of all ages for activities and light refreshments to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Activities include a flight simulator carrier landing challenge and silhouette art.
Founder's Day Old Orland Tour
Join us for a free walking tour of Old Orland in celebration of Orland Park's 134th birthday! Tours will begin at Studio VOP (14409 Beacon Avenue) and will include stops on Beacon Avenue, 143rd Street, Union Avenue and West Avenue.
Winfield's Good Old Days
The Winfield Historical Society, the Winfield Public Library and the History of Winfield Committee will be publishing an updated history of Winfield IL. It will be an updated 2nd Edition of Louise Spanke's 1975 book Winfields Good Old Days: A History. The book is published with sponsorship and donations from the Village of Winfield and Village Businesses and families. Further information is available as to books tentative publication date in late spring 2026. (630) 510-9053.
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.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Timeless jazz, acclaimed ensemble
The legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and its trailblazing leader Wynton Marsalis return to Symphony Center, their home in Chicago. “Technically precise and emotionally charged,” the ensemble displays its “versatility and deep understanding of jazz traditions” (The Wall Street Journal), while working hard to preserve the genre for the present day — performing everything from new arrangements to masterworks by artists like Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk.
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
June 4, 7:30-9:30 PM
June 5, 1:30-3:30 PM
June 6, 7:30-9:30 PM
Jazz, blues and orchestral sounds converge in a rousing celebration of the American story. The CSO joins forces with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for Liberty (Symphony No. 5), jazz legend Wynton Marsalis’ latest symphonic work. The program opens with a new work by American icon John Adams and Copland’s Appalachian Spring, which celebrates the American pioneer spirit and famously quotes the Shaker hymn Simple Gifts.
America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories
July 4, 2026, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The United States of America has grown in many ways since 1776, and it continues to evolve, as all living things do. We’re recognizing this once-in-a semiquincentennial moment by focusing on the growth we know best: gardens.
America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories is an indoor-outdoor experience connecting history to present-day (and peeking into the future) through immersive installations and community-led programming. Participating artists include Camille “Katahtu’ntha” Billie, Rocco Buttliere, Ishita Gupta, Regin Igloria, Lucy Knisley, Rachel Nador, and Daniel Olvera.
Learn more at https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
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.
Conrad Tao
In his 2023 CSO subscription debut, Conrad Tao gave a “dazzling, staggering” performance of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, wrote the Chicago Tribune, in which Tao “carried his melodies masterfully.” As part of the CSO’s monthlong focus on American music, the Illinois native returns with a selection of Gershwin song arrangements interspersed with works by Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninov, Schoenberg and Robert Schumann.
Chris Thile & the CSO
Adding his trademark whimsical storytelling, instrumental virtuosity and ever-present sense of humor to Symphony Center’s America 250 tribute, Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile returns for his second appearance of the season — this time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A founding member of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, the singer and composer performs ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra — alongside vivid works by Barber, Copland and Caroline Shaw.
Orland's Agriculture History
Presentation on Orland's agricultural history that works in collaboration with a display in the front windows.
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.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
June 11, 7:30-9:30 PM
June 12, 1:30-3:30 PM
June 13, 7:30-9:30 PM
As part of the CSO’s tribute to 250 years of American history, Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on the extravagant, jazz-infused piano solo in Leonard Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety, based on W. H. Auden’s poem about the quest for faith and meaning. Sumptuous orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals frame a stirring selection of spirituals performed with the Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir.
Abraham Lincoln in Song
With “Abraham Lincoln in Song,” Chris Vallillo combines Lincoln’s own words and stories with contemporary folk music and period folk songs to shed light on one of our nation’s most beloved historical figures. President Lincoln himself will also be attending the performance! After the show is over, the Tinley Landmark Chapel and Schoolhouse Museum will be open for visitors.
America 250: Local Heritage Tour
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Although Illinois had not yet become a state, Illinoisans have long played, and continue to play, a vital role in bringing the Declaration’s ideals to life. Join us for free, guided tours of Old Orland to learn about local history over the past 250 years, touching on topics such as Indigenous people in the area, the development of Old Orland and how our heritage shapes the community we are today.
Stitching a Nation: The Life of Betsy Ross
Join us as we celebrate America's Semiquincentennial by reflecting on Betsy Ross's legacy as a symbol of creativity and patriotism. Please Register
In her captivating portrayal of Betsy Ross, historical presenter Michelle Gibbons brings to life the spirited seamstress credited with creating the first American flag. Gibbons embodies Ross' determination and patriotism, recounting her pivotal role in stitching together a symbol of unity for the fledgling nation. Through engaging storytelling, she highlights Ross' contributions during the Revolutionary era, emphasizing the flag's enduring significance as a beacon of freedom. Weaving historical facts with vivid anecdotes, audiences will be transported to 1776 Philadelphia, where Ross' needlework became a cornerstone of American identity.
CSO Chamber Music: CSO Brass Quintet
As part of Symphony Center’s tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, the renowned CSO Brass Quintet presents a program highlighting the power and pageantry of brass music. From Ives’ popular variations to ceremonial fanfares and iconic American melodies, this concert celebrates national spirit through bold colors, brilliant ensemble playing and the majestic resonance of the organ.
General admission seating. Early arrival is recommended — doors open approximately 45 minutes before the concert.
Pay what you wish, starting at $15, for this concert. By paying more than the minimum amount for your ticket, you demonstrate the value music plays in your life.
"Stars and Stripes" Storytime & Craft
Join us as we celebrate National Flag Week and the United States Semiquincentennial! We will share stories, songs, and a craft all about the American flag.
If you'd like to see a list of books we may read during this program, please click here.
Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
June 18, 7:30-9:30 PM
June 20, 7:30-9:30 PM
June 21, 3:00-5:00 PM
Aaron Copland’s timeless tribute to the nation’s 16th president anchors a powerful program spanning multiple generations of American composers. Chicago native and Tony Award-nominee Harry Lennix — most recently seen in The Goodman’s production of Inherit the Wind and also known for roles in The Blacklist, The Matrix franchise and the DC Universe — lends his commanding voice and presence to the piece as the narrator. Works by Ellington and former Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery reflect on the ideals of freedom and equality, Ives salutes his beloved New England, and Martinů honors Plymouth Rock, symbolizing the opportunities America offered him.
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
A Musical Tribute to John Williams & Steven Spielberg
Celebrate the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brings to life some of cinema’s most iconic music. From Jurassic Park and Jaws to Indiana Jones and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the scores born of this 50-year creative partnership have captured imaginations around the world.
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)
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
June 25, 7:30-10:10 PM
June 26, 7:30-10:10 PM
June 27, 7:30-10:10 PM
Embark on an epic adventure to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: A New Hope! Experience the iconic film like never before as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary Oscar-winning score live. From the triumphant opening fanfare to Princess Leia’s ethereal theme, relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen at Symphony Center.
© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox Film Corp., Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved.
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
Bulls, Boots & Bright Lights
Don’t miss this major, family-friendly celebration honoring 250 years of American Independence- Marion style! 🇺🇸
Kick off Independence Day weekend with a once-in-a-generation lineup featuring Professional Bull Riding, a Sky Elements patriotic drone show making its first-ever appearance in Southern Illinois, and a live concert from country music star Easton Corbin.
Presented through a partnership with Pepsi MidAmerica, Oasis Family of Businesses, Watermark Auto Group, and the City of Marion, Bulls, Boots & Bright Lights is designed to be an affordable, high-impact community celebration, with tickets starting at $25.
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.
Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration
The City of Joliet will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park on July 3, 2026. The celebration runs from 6–10 p.m. and will feature live music, food vendors, and children’s activities. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. FREE Admission.
Liberty Run
The Veterans Liberty Run and Walk on July 3 begins at the 153rd Street Metra Station and continues through Centennial Park. Participants are invited to run the 2-mile course or walk or jog the 1-mile course, making the experience family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.
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.
Mokena Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade 2026 "Mokena Celebrates America's 250th Birthday"
Mokena Chamber of Commerce's 4th of July Parade 2026.
Theme: Mokena Celebrates America's 250th Birthday."
Step off: 10 a.m. on July 4, 2026.
Route: North on Wolf Road from LaPorte Road to Granite Drive.
Our parade is a great way to celebrate with the community and promote your business/organization to thousands of people that attend the parade and many more that watch the replays on Mokena’s Cable Channel 6 and online at mokena.org.
Parade Entry is FREE to Mokena Chamber Members & Non-Profits! $150 entry fee for non-chamber members & each political candidate entry.
Submit completed form/payment by JUNE 24. By JUNE 26 a packet with entry number, staging time/location, map will be emailed to each business/organization registered.
Dedication of the American Eagle
he City of Lexington will hold a dedication of the AMERICAN EAGLE sculpture at Patton Park on Main Street on July 4th at 10:00 a.m. Created by local artist Kasey Wells, the AMERICAN EAGLE, a 5,320 pound scrap metal sculpture standing 15 ft. tall took a year to build… made of farm implement shanks, break rotors, barbell weights, window weights, leaf springs, chains, sickle sections, mower blades, watch bands, fan blades, barbed wire, rebar, a semi brake drum, a pipe from a hydraulic car lift and more. Most of which was sourced locally or donated to Kasey by the Lexington Community. AMERICAN EAGLE is a depiction of an eagle swooping into and ripping a rattle snake out of its nest to protect its egg. It is meant to be a symbol of America/WE THE PEOPLE being attacked by venomous forces and fighting for survival. Once it was completed, Kasey submitted AMERICAN EAGLE to ArtPrize 2022. It was displayed on the sidewalk of the Amway Grand Plaza hotel on the corner across the street from the Rosa Parks Circle. Kasey stayed with AMERICAN EAGLE throughout the 18-day duration of ArtPrize 2022, met thousands of people, and put his presidential campaign experience to full use to promote himself and AMERICAN EAGLE. It paid off. Of the nearly 750 artists that submitted work to ArtPrize 2022 Kasey and AMERICAN EAGLE finished in 1st place! AMERICAN EAGLE is now standing proudly on display in the heart of downtown Lexington, Illinois.
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!
250 Celebration
Fireworks on July 4
Oswego's Fourth of July Fireworks display will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Prairie Point Park on July 4. Rain date is July 5.
Prairie Point Park is located at 4120 Plainfield Road in Oswego.
The Village of Oswego proudly produces numerous events throughout the year.
The Oswego Police Department will limit parking and travel routes prior to and immediately following the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration.
The display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
City of Mascoutah Annual Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration 2026
Mascoutah’s Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration has established itself as one of the finest July 4th events in the Metro East. The primary goals of the Celebration are to encourage Mascoutah’s and Scott Air Force Base’s community partnership and to provide a family-oriented event.
The community comes together to contribute time, funds, and services to bring to life a full spectrum of entertainment and exhibits. This includes local musical performances, Old Fashioned craft vendors, a large variety of food and family activities including carnival rides, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Independence Day "250th Anniversary" Celebration
A specialized program on different topics in Orland history and a private mini display of related artifacts from our collection. July's theme: Early Immigration and Founding Families.
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.
America at 250: Benjamin Franklin - Designing a New Country
Join us for a historical presentation with Benjamin Franklin! Drop-ins are welcome! Register to receive a reminder.
Benjamin Franklin was the sole individual who played a part in drafting the five documents that established our nation. His diplomatic skills and ability to think innovatively were crucial in shaping the daring endeavor of establishing a new nation. Please join us to enjoy this historical presentation with Terry Lynch of HFK Presents.
Terry Lynch has been a professional actor performing on stage, T.V., film, and radio in the Chicagoland area for more than 40 years. He has also appeared regularly on the WGN Morning Show. He and his wife Laura, a certified educator, began Histories for Kids / HFK Presents more than 20 years ago as a way to bring history to life for all ages.
Come early for coffee and conversation beginning at 1:30 pm. The program will begin promptly at 2 pm.
AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.
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
America 250: Local Heritage Tour
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Although Illinois had not yet become a state, Illinoisans have long played, and continue to play, a vital role in bringing the Declaration’s ideals to life. Join us for free, guided tours of Old Orland to learn about local history over the past 250 years, touching on topics such as Indigenous people in the area, the development of Old Orland and how our heritage shapes the community we are today.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
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.
Summer Concert on the Lawn
For the 250th, we present an all-American music program spanning early nation tunes, jazz, Dixieland, Broadway, Sousa marches, big band, film, pop, and patriotic favorite something for everyone.
Hotdogs and refreshments available for purchase from Roll-n-Donut cafe.
GeneaQuest 2026: Pursuit of Ancestry: Life, Liberty & Heritage
This one-day, in-person genealogy conference will be a tribute event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will feature presenters covering the themes of • Legacy of Liberty • Journeys to America • Tech Meets Tradition.
Presented by CAGGNI - Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois
For more information and to register: Source: https://www.caggni.org/GeneaQuest2026
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.
Kings Row Starring Ronald Reagan At Ronald Reagan's Hometown Theatre
At the Dixon Historic Theatre, we take great pride in our unique place in American history as the hometown theatre of Ronald Reagan. Long before he stepped onto the world stage, Reagan sat in a movie seat here in Dixon, inspired by the magic of the screen and dreaming of one day becoming an actor himself. That dream led to a remarkable career in Hollywood, including his powerful role in Kings Row—the very film we are honored to present.
This classic drama follows Parris Mitchell (Robert Cummings), a young man determined to become a psychiatrist, and his friend Drake McHugh (Reagan), a charming playboy whose life is irrevocably changed by tragedy. Set in a seemingly quiet town, the story reveals the darker undercurrents of provincial life, exploring themes of mental illness, repression, moral hypocrisy, and forbidden desire.
One of the film’s most unforgettable moments involves a cruel surgeon (Charles Coburn) whose shocking actions lead to the famous and haunting line, “Where’s the rest of me?”—a scene that became one of the most iconic in classic cinema and cemented Reagan’s reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
Join us for this special screening that not only showcases a landmark film of the 1940s but also celebrates the legacy of a young man from Dixon who once watched movies in this very theatre and went on to become one of the most recognized figures in American history.
Phil's Beach/Wauconda America 250 Celebration
Wauconda America 250 Celebration will start at Cook House (711 N Main Street) and will feature tours of the historic Cook House and a patriotic tribute to Wauconda from 2-5 pm. From 5-8:30 pm at Phil's Beach, featuring music, a custom menu for purchase, a local historian sharing stories about Wauconda's roots, impact on Chicago/Illinois, and USA themed mini games.
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.
Hellcats of The Navy
The Dixon Historic Theatre is proud to present a special evening screening of Hellcats of the Navy, a film with a deeply personal connection to our community. Ronald Reagan returned to Dixon to premiere this very movie, coming back to the town where he spent his youth and where he first experienced films inside this historic theatre. It is a full-circle moment in the story of a young man who once sat in these seats dreaming of the screen, and later returned as one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
Released in 1957, this World War II drama follows Commander Casey Abbott (Reagan) as he leads a perilous submarine mission to chart Japanese minefields in preparation for Allied operations. The film combines wartime suspense with human drama, exploring the strain of command and the difficult balance between duty and personal loyalty.
The story is further complicated when Abbott is accused of abandoning a fellow crewman, played by Harry Lauter, amid tensions involving a Navy nurse portrayed by Nancy Davis. The film is especially notable as the only time Reagan and Davis—who would later become husband and wife—appeared together on screen.
This screening offers not only a compelling wartime narrative, but also a chance to reflect on Dixon’s unique connection to American film history. Join us for an evening that celebrates both a classic motion picture and the hometown legacy of Ronald Reagan.
Sterling Street Fest
This is a FREE all ages event featuring Live Music, Vendors & Maker demonstrations, Family-Friendly & Kids activities, Food & Beverage vendors.
Sterling Street Fest
We are having a family-oriented Street Fest with bands, food, vendors, and fun activities for kids of all ages. We will have a flyer completed once we announce the bands.
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.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
America 250: Local Heritage Tour
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Although Illinois had not yet become a state, Illinoisans have long played, and continue to play, a vital role in bringing the Declaration’s ideals to life. Join us for free, guided tours of Old Orland to learn about local history over the past 250 years, touching on topics such as Indigenous people in the area, the development of Old Orland and how our heritage shapes the community we are today.
Movie in the Park: Captain America Brave New World 3D
3D movie glasses giveaway for kids to color red/white/blue before 3D movie with costumed characters/meet and greet.
Debate Days
Ottawa’s Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! More details TBA!
Red Bud Am250 Community Festival
Join us for a family-friendly festival featuring live music, vendors, games, attractions & fireworks show!
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.
We Remember: Stories from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The first time that the New York institution has ever collaborated with another museum.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ Semiquicentennial. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration—and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
Declaration 1776 will open at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on March 4, and move to various public library locations and other free community destinations over the course of 2026. As you plan your visit, please check each location’s website for hours, parking, and accessibility.
The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans—and people around the world—in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination. Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.
LWV Wheaton’s sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement. The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding—and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.
The League wishes to thank our community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County.
Dates and locations:
March 4-March 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton IL 60187
April 8-April 29. College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 60137
May 8-May 27. Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
June 11-July 6. Wheaton Public Library 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
July 15-August 5. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
August 17-September 4. Carol Stream LIbrary, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
September 11-September 29. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
Veterans on Parade
Veterans On Parade honors all Southern Illinois veterans who have served the United States in both war and peacetime. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of this veteran-organized event in downtown Marion.
Bring your lawn chairs and gather with friends, family, and neighbors for the ceremony, festivities, and special concert that evening. Freedom Sings, USA will debut their local veteran-inspired songs, followed by the singer-songwriters playing some of their biggest hits.
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.
Windy City Blues Fest
The Windy City Blues Fest 2026, a free, multi-day celebration of America's blues heritage in honor of America250.
Held at Cermak Woods in Lyons, Illinois, the festival will present dozens of performances, tracing the history of the blues from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago's electric sound. By featuring descendants of legendary musicians alongside contemporary performers, the program will illuminate how the blues embodies resilience, creativity, and the ongoing story of America. Educational initiatives will include Blues in the Schools for local students, interactive talks and films, and heritage displays from blues preservation organizations. Professional recordings and broadcasts will further amplify the impact, ensuring that the music and stories of the blues continue to inspire national reflection during America250.
History After Hours
A specialized program on different topics in Orland history and a private mini display of related artifacts from our collection. September's theme: Back to School in Orland.
Democracy Dialogues: "All Men Are Created Equal"
This event will focus on the phrase "All Men Are Created Equal." Dr. Meghan Leonard, Associated Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, will present the historical context for this session.
We will meet in the Community Commons Building rooms 1406-1407 at Heartland Community College (1500 W. Raab Rd. Normal, IL).
Registration is encouraged but not required to participate. Please visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register.
Want to know more about this series and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
Transportation Revolutions: America on the Move
Showcasing the incredible stories of transportation and innovation.
56th Annual Burgoo Festival
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society for our 56th Annual Burgoo Festival!! The fun starts on Saturday, when over 375 vendors will set up in and around our Canal Market Building (210 Clark Street) from 11-6pm. Stick around to see how our famous Burgoo Stew is created when we kick off cooking at 9pm. The stew will then cook throughout the night until it is ready to be served at 9am on Sunday.
Sunday is the big day when over 400 vendors line the streets of the quaint Village of Utica. Live entertainment will be provided both Saturday and Sunday in addition to live blacksmithing demos and children's activities.
Democracy Dialogues: "Consent of the Governed"
The fourth and final installment of our Democracy Dialogues series will explore the phrase "Consent of the Governed." Dr. Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, will present the historical context for this session.
We will meet at the YWCA McLean County, located at 1201 N. Hershey Rd. in Bloomington.
Registration is encouraged but not required to participate. Please visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register.
Want to know more about this series and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
Americas 250th Lecture Series: French and Indian War
Army Sustainment Command historians from Rock Island Arsenal present a series of lectures on events around American independence. March topic is The French and Indian War, and its impact on the future of the United States. Free, open to all.
Be an Informed Voter
Looking to learn how to vote, decide among candidates for the March 17, 2026 general election, or just become a more engaged American? Learn various strategies and resources to help you do your civic duty.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15430141
Docs & Dialogue: Her War, Her Story (Granville Branch)
Narrated by Jane Lynch, “Her War, Her Story,” presents the experiences of more than two dozen women during World War II. Through accounts from members of the U.S. Women’s Army Corps and civilian witnesses to the war in Europe, this hour-long documentary examines women’s roles during the conflict and the ways they demonstrated patriotism, service, and steadfastness during critical moments. The film is rated PG and is made possible through the WWII Foundation. The program is free and open to the public.
Hybrid - How America Tells Its Story: A Conversation with Lonnie Bunch
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the nation finds itself grappling with fundamental questions about its identity, history, and future. How do we tell the story of America and its ideals and contradictions? What does it mean to reckon with the past while charting a path forward? Join us for a conversation with Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, as he reflects on American history, national memory, and what this milestone reveals about who we are and where we're headed.
About the Speaker
Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. As Secretary, he oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Previously, Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Pursuit: The Founders' Guide to Life, Liberty, and Virtue with Jeffrey Rosen
Drawing on his books The Pursuit of Happiness and The Pursuit of Liberty, Jeffrey Rosen examines how the Founders understood happiness as the pursuit of virtue rather than pleasure and how the enduring debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over liberty and power continues to shape American democracy. Rosen explores how Americans across generations have embraced the core principles of the American Idea liberty equality government by consent and the pursuit of happiness even as they have differed on how best to balance them.
Jeffrey Rosen is CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center and host of We the People, a weekly constitutional debate podcast.
Free, ADA-accessible parking is available in the university parking structure off Bonnie Brae.
Student-Led Peace Circles on Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Re-entry
Our state constitution defines the purpose of incarceration as “restoring the offender to useful citizenship.” As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, join us for a community dialogue on the distance between that ideal and our lived reality—and how restorative justice can bridge the gap.
3rd floor, Lincoln Park Student Center.
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. **
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.
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."
Indie Lens Pop-Up: The Inquisitor (Condit Branch)
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of. The film is 60 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through partnership with Independent Lens. The program is free and open to the public.
The Founding Mothers
The “Mothers” of America aren’t often mentioned – the women whose influence on the early years of the United States reverberated for centuries afterwards. Learn about soldiers, writers, printers, scholars, farmers, artists, and spies – all women, and all vital to our nation’s history. Presented in partnership with AAUW.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Register to receive the information to join.
https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14901939
Docs & Dialogue: American Stories: A Reading Road Trip (McNabb Branch)
American Stories: A Reading Road Trip begins in Rhode Island, a state with a long and varied literary tradition. This 35-minute documentary examines Rhode Island’s literary legacy, from the revolutionary writings of Roger Williams and the Gothic fiction of H. P. Lovecraft to Edgar Allan Poe’s time in Providence and the work of Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, including Interpreter of Maladies and The Namesake. The program also includes interviews with writers and illustrators such as Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories), Christopher Denise (Knight Owl), Caldecott honoree Oge Mora (Thank You, Omu!), David Macaulay (The Way Things Work), and Elizabeth Rush (Rising). Their perspectives highlight how Rhode Island’s landscape, architecture, and arts community influence both literary and visual storytelling.
Viewers will also see historic and cultural institutions including the Providence Athenaeum, Redwood Library, and John Hay Library, along with an examination of the role the Rhode Island School of Design has played in shaping generations of artists and storytellers. The documentary is not rated and is made possible through PBS Books. The program is free and open to the public.
America250: The Founding Mothers
This presentation will focus on the remarkable women who had a first-hand view of the founding of our nation, and whose stories need to be shared.
The “Mothers” of America aren’t often mentioned. The women whose influence on the early years of the United States reverberated for centuries afterwards. While many of us remember reading something about Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, there are so many more women to admire. Whether they assisted in the years-long Revolutionary War or had one brief moment of heroism, their actions had long-lasting and nation-building effects. Learn about soldiers, writers, printers, scholars, farmers, artists, and spies–all women, and all vital to our nation’s history.
Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and has been portraying women from history and lecturing on historic topics for over fifteen years. This lecture is presented in honor of Women's History Month and America250, the United States Semiquincentennial.
Photography Policy: By attending one of the Library's programs, you consent to be photographed or recorded. These images and recordings may be used for promotional materials such as the Library’s website, social media, and newsletters. Please inform a staff member if you do not wish to be photographed or recorded.
Accessibility Policy: The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request a specific accommodation, please contact the Library. View our accessibility page at https://gpld.org/accessibility.
Docs & Dialogue: After Selma
On March 7th, 1965, six hundred brave citizens marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding the right to vote. They were met that Sunday morning with tear gas and brutal violence as law enforcement officers charged on horseback. Though that moment helped spur passage of the Voting Rights Act, efforts to suppress voting rights in America did not end, they evolved.
In this powerful documentary, Emmy-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland, civil rights veteran Joanne Blackmon Bland, and New York Times bestselling author Carol Anderson trace the long history of voter suppression and examine why confronting it remains essential to preserving democracy and equality for all. The film is 46 minutes, not rated, and made possible through Kanopy. The program is free and open to the public.
Making a More Perfect Union - FREE Art Workshop for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders
Make art and make history - America is turning 250!
In this drop-in, 2-hour workshop, 3rd through 5th graders will engage in the process of creating a more perfect union through original artworks that explore and express big ideas about our shared and individual histories as Americans.
This workshop is free, and all materials will be provided. We will meet in Bloomington Public Library’s Children’s Program Room 1, located on the lower level of the library.
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.
Democracy Dialogues: "Life and Liberty"
his event will focus on the phrase "Life and Liberty." Dr. Matthijs Tieleman, Assistant Professor of History at Illinois State University, will kick off the event.
We will meet in the courtroom, located on the second floor of the Museum.
Registration is encouraged but not required to participate. Please visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register.
Want to know more about this series and how we're marking this historic milestone? Head on over to mchistory.org/250 for more information.
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."
Echoes of Hiroshima, A Survivor’s Story
Join us for a moving program commemorating the Hiroshima bombing. This event pays tribute to those affected by nuclear war while sharing an urgent message of peace.
Clinton Fairbanks, co-author, and Kaoru Fairbanks, translator of Ninety Seconds Past Midnight: An Atomic Survivor’s Story, will lead this peace-focused program honoring Masakazu Saito, a 101-year-old Hiroshima survivor.
At the age of twenty, Masakazu Saito was serving as a squad leader in the Imperial Army’s Communications Division when the atomic bomb was dropped. His barracks were just 1,800 meters from the epicenter, making him one of the closest survivors of the blast. Gravely injured but resilient, he went on to dedicate his life to advocating for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. His witness account is preserved in Ninety Seconds Past Midnight: An Atomic Survivor’s Story, and his extraordinary journey is also captured through a series of watercolor paintings, which will be displayed on the library’s art wall in February. In 2024, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese organization representing Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), in recognition of voices like his.
This program also reflects on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, observed on August 6, 2025.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
HYBRID - We the People: The US Constitution in Today's World
The US Constitution and its Framers hold a uniquely venerated position in American democracy. But as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, fundamental questions about the Constitution's role in today's world have emerged. Does the Constitution still protect the rights and freedoms it was designed to guarantee? What makes the American constitutional system different from other democracies? And what determines whether a constitution remains resilient when tested? Join legal scholars Tom Ginsburg and Aziz Huq for a conversation about what American constitutionalism means in practice today.
Event Speakers:
Tom Ginsburg
Leo Spitz Professor of International Law, University of Chicago
Aziz Huq
Frank and Bernice J. Greenberg Professor of Law, University of Chicago
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.
VIRTUAL: Foundations to Front Pages: What the Constitution Says—and How It’s Being Interpreted Today (LWV of Wheaton)
Join us for a virtual series that explores the U.S. Constitution through both its historical foundations and its ongoing relevance in today’s headlines. Each session, held the third Thursday evening of each month at 7:00 pm, will take a deeper look at how the framers’ debates, amendments, and landmark interpretations continue to shape the issues we see in the news—from voting rights and separation of powers to free speech, federalism, and more.
Designed for adults seeking a clearer understanding of how our government works, this series blends accessible history with thoughtful discussion of current events. Participants will gain practical civic knowledge, learn how constitutional principles apply to modern challenges, and leave better equipped to evaluate news and public policy.
Whether you're a longtime civic learner or just beginning to dig into constitutional questions, these programs will offer an engaging, nonpartisan space to explore how America’s founding document continues to guide—and sometimes complicate—our democracy today.
The programs will be presented by Steven D. Schwinn, who teaches constitutional law at UIC Law School. Steve is founding editor-in-chief of the American Constitution Society Supreme Court Review and founding co-editor of the Constitutional Law Prof Blog. He is a longtime member of the American Constitution Society Chicago Lawyers Chapter Board of Advisers.
This series is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wheaton.
Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kdkdb0Y9R1C0898vxyQrlg#/registration
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.
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.
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