Passport to Illinois
Illinois America 250’s limited-edition travel passport celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
✔ Nearly 60 monuments, museums, memorials, parks, and historic markers ✔ 7 scenic byways ✔ Stories of people, places, and events that uplift the ideals of the Declaration of Independence: Equality, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Happiness
✔ Organized by region
✔ Includes space to track your visits ✔ Artwork by William Estrada
“Through the landmarks gathered in this passport book, we are reminded that the story of America is inseparable from the story of Illinois.”
-Gabrielle H. Lyon, Chair, Illinois America 250 Commission
Kayaking Galena
Choose a region to start your journey and discover sites across Illinois that reflect the people, places, and stories that shaped our state and our nation
Explore by Region
Special Thanks
Illinois America 250 is an inclusive, statewide commemoration that uplifts local stories, places and programs, builds pride and showcases how Illinoisans bring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life. The commissioners represent civic, nonprofit, educational and business sectors, as well as Native and tribal organizations, museums, higher education institutions, and arts organizations. Special thanks go to Illinois Humanities and the Illinois Association of Museums for their support in the creation of this passport.
Illinois America 250 Commission Members
Gabrielle H. Lyon, Ph.D., Chair
Executive Director, Illinois Humanities
Ada Cheng, Ph.D.
Educator, Artist, and Storyteller
Brad Cole
CEO, Illinois Municipal League
Michelle Donahoe
Executive Director, DeKalb County History Center
Jennifer Edginton, Ed.D.
Director, Illinois State Museum
Rep. Edgar Gonzalez
Illinois House of Representatives, 23rd District
Judy Hackett, Ed.D.
Library and Museum Public School Special Educator and Co-Interim Superintendent, Special Education District of Lake County
Kathryn Harris
Researcher, Librarian, and Board Chair, Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition
Andrew Johnson
Executive Director, Native American Chamber of Commerce Illinois
Lindsay Laren
Assistant Commissioner, Collections, Content and Access, Chicago Public Library
Elisa Marcus
International Marketing Manager, Illinois Office of Tourism
Sara Phalen, J.D., M.A.
Director, West Chicago City Museum; Director, Warrenville Historical Museum & Art Gallery; Board President, Kane DuPage Regional Museum Association
Kayla Pilgrim
Founder, The Civic Success Project; Member, Youth 250 Bureau
Gerald Savage
Chief White Winnebago, Ho-Chunk Nation Elder
Christina Shutt
Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Dick Simpson, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois Chicago
Sen. Doris Turner
Illinois Senate, 48th District
Andy Van Meter
Chair, Sangamon County Board; President, Design Ideas
Dorene Wiese, Ed.D.
Chief Executive Officer, American Indian Association of Illinois
A sincere thank you to the partners and organizations who helped make the Illinois 250 Passport possible. Your support and collaboration are helping bring this statewide celebration to life.
👉 Click the buttons below to explore all participating partners and communities across Illinois.
Want to get involved? Read more about how to become a partner organization or community and join the Illinois 250 celebration!
