In the News

Sixteen Central Illinois County Clerks & Recorder of Deeds today released a joint America 250 Video featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence against a backdrop of their various County Courthouses and historical community landmarks.

Make your story part of history: Illinois Voices 250 hosting community recording sessions to chronicle personal stories in celebration of America’s 250th birthday

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250.

As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.

As Illinoisans prepare to celebrate the birthday of 16th President Abraham Lincoln on Thursday and Presidents Day on Monday, the Illinois America 250 Commission will launch the Passport to Illinois, a limited-edition keepsake tourism passport that encourages families and individuals to explore Illinois history and the state’s role in the founding and formation of the United States.

Illinois Humanities recently announced its comprehensive slate of statewide America 250 initiatives, positioning itself as a leading voice in Illinois during the country's 250th anniversary.

Gov. Pritzker Unveils Illinois’ Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Illinois organizes statewide plans to honor the historic anniversary.

IL America 250 will table in the Governor’s tent at the State Fair, Aug 7-17, 2025, offering free pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence.

Illinois America 250 Commission invites all Illinoisans to celebrate nation's 250th anniversary leading up to July 4, 2026

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director of Illinois Humanities and Chair of Illinois America 250, talks Illinois America 250 with hosts Amy Jacobson and Jeanne Ives.

A new Illinois oral history project, Illinois Voices 250, docuemts perspectives and stories of residents in all 102 counties of the 21st state.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon speaks with Jerry Crabtree on Jabbing with Jerry about the Illinois America 250 commemoration.

We made it to the last round of our passport tours, and we're starting in the trenches at the First Division Museum at Cantigny.

As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, we're taking you along for the journey. In part two of our tour, we begin at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

The first stop is Pullman National Historical Park, where innovation met tension. Luxury railcars built here transformed travel, but it was the workers who transformed America.

Phil Luciano talks with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director of Illinois Humanities and Chair, Illinois America 250 Commission

The U.S.A. is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and Illinois Humanities is launching a new program to showcase our state's role in that history.

The “Passport to Illinois” was unveiled on Wednesday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. 56 historic sites, museums, parks, and historic markers, along with seven scenic byways, are all part of this limited-edition keepsake.

The Illinois America 250 Commission has unveiled the first-ever ‘Passport to Illinois,’ a limited-edition keepsake that invites residents and visitors to explore.

The state is gearing up for America’s 250th birthday with a passport that takes you to historic, cultural, and community spots all across Illinois.

As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in “Illinois Voices 250,” a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Your Illinois story could be preserved in the Library of Congress as part of the nation’s semiquincentenial.

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites Illinois residents to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide storytelling initiative.

The Prairie State has a lot planned for the nation’s semiquincentennial this year. From exhibits and plays to concerts and panels, cultural organizations are offering a slew of celebratory and thought-provoking programs. Read on for just a fraction of the highlights.

Illinois is putting its own stamp on the nation’s 250th anniversary with the Passport to Illinois, an initiative sponsored by Illinois America 250.

The Illinois America 250 Commission unveiled what they’re calling a “Passport to Illinois” that you can take with you anywhere in your touristy pursuits throughout the state.

The Illinois America 250 Commission has unveiled the first-ever ‘Passport to Illinois,’ a limited-edition keepsake that invites residents and visitors to explore.

Residents and visitors can explore underrepresented stories at museums and monuments across Illinois with the new limited-edition passport

Illinois is commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary with a new initiative that highlights the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

As Illinois prepares to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Illinois America 250 Commission has unveiled a new passport booklet inviting residents and visitors to explore historical locations across the state.