Illinois State Society of Washington, DC

07/13/2021

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: "Memory and Monuments" with Kathryn Allamong Jacob, Author of Testament to Union: Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

The final program in the Illinois State Society series about historic monuments of important people in Illinois history will be today at 5pm on Zoom. There is a sign-up link in this update.

What were the objectives and the outcomes in erecting Civil War monuments as a means of influencing the collective understanding of the past?

07/12/2021

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: "Memory and Monuments" with Kathryn Allamong Jacob, Author of Testament to Union: Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Tuesday July 13th the Illinois State Society will present the concluding webinar of a four-part series. Its impetus was a Chicago committee’s decision to declare 41 of the city’s statues as “problematic.” The previous three webinars discussed why it is appropriate to continue to honor three sons of Illinois — Abraham Lincoln, General John A. Logan and Ulysses Grant. The July 13th webinar will feature Kathryn Allamong Jacob, author of “Testament to Union: Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.” Her “Memory and Monuments” presentation will provide a framework for understanding the significance of the current debate over statues.

Title: Memory and Monuments
Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Time: 5 - 6 PM EDT
Cost: Free
Register by July 13, 2021
Presenter
Kathryn Allamong Jacob, Ph.D., author of “Testament to Union: Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.”

Registration Info is in the attached link -
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3h8KojcSkS4mtrRYPUfDQ

What were the objectives and the outcomes in erecting Civil War monuments as a means of influencing the collective understanding of the past?

05/25/2021

Live web Interview with Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly Tuesday May 25th at 2pm. Please register on the attached link at the end of this posting.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

Congresswoman Kelly is the Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves on the Health, Energy, and Consumer Protection and Commerce subcommittees. Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families, and economic development.

The daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, Congresswoman Kelly moved to Illinois to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University. She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dA97LgHaR7e-2GPwHYayaA

Live web Interview with Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly Tuesday May 25th at 2pm. Please register on the attached link at the end of this posting.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

Congresswoman Kelly is the Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves on the Health, Energy, and Consumer Protection and Commerce subcommittees. Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families, and economic development.

The daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, Congresswoman Kelly moved to Illinois to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University. She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dA97LgHaR7e-2GPwHYayaA

04/14/2021

Why We Honor Lincoln - ILSS Panel April 13, 2021

Why We Honor Abraham Lincoln - A Lincoln Statues in Chicago Discussion Webinar presented by several Lincoln Historians.

https://youtu.be/EQ9czRlJIMY

The Lincoln Group joins with the Illinois State Society to present an important panel discussion focused on why statues of Abraham Lincoln should be saved.In...

12/04/2020

Happy #IllinoisStatehoodDay! On this day in 1818, with 35,000 residents, Illinois became the 21st state of the Union. Since then, the Prairie State has grown to over 12.7 million residents and counting.

Happy #IllinoisStatehoodDay! On this day in 1818, with 35,000 residents, Illinois became the 21st state of the Union. Since then, the Prairie State has grown to over 12.7 million residents and counting.

11/23/2020

In 1942, the U.S. Army commissioned the Weber Costello Company in Illinois to make a 500-pound, 50-inch diameter globe as a Christmas gift for Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide the most accurate and updated world-view available to the president in the midst of World War II.

The globe was housed in the Oval Office and a duplicate was created for use at the War Department. Another was sent to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who used it at 10 Downing Street. See more details about the Illinois-made "President’s Globe,” in our friends at The White House Historical Association's post, below!

The world is vast—and this massive globe housed in the Oval Office during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration was, too. Weighing nearly 500 pounds and measuring fifty inches in diameter, the globe was created by “over 50 geographers, cartographers, and draftsmen from the Geographic Division of the Office of Strategic Services” to provide the most accurate and updated world-view available to the president in the midst of World War II.

The U.S. Army commissioned the Weber Costello Company in Illinois to make the object as a Christmas gift for Roosevelt in 1942. Two wooden pieces fit together on a rotating steel stand that allowed President Roosevelt to move it in any direction while sitting at his desk in the Oval Office. He used the globe to chart progress in the Pacific and European theaters and as a reference point for the movement of troops and materials outside of the United States. In a 1942 thank you note, Roosevelt noted “I am made very happy… by the special Globe which I have set up in my office directly by my chair… I can swing around and figure distances to my great satisfaction.”

Roosevelt was not the only owner of this impressive object. One duplicate was given to General George C. Marshall and Secretary of War Henry Stimson for use at the War Department. Another was sent via private airplane to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who used it at 10 Downing Street. Known today as “The President’s Globe,” Roosevelt’s is on display at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York

Image Credit: Library of Congress

10/19/2020

Congratulations to Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish! Fun fact: ILSS has been working with the Embassy of Japan in the USA on Cherry Blossom week festivities since 1948.

05/11/2020

Illinois State Society of Washington, DC

05/11/2020

Last Saturday, Mary Pratt, who pitched for the Rockford Peaches, passed away at 101 years old. Mary was the last known original Peaches player that played on the 1943 team.

Our hearts go out to the family of Mary Pratt, an original player of the Rockford Peaches. Mary passed away recently on Wednesday, May 6 at the age 101. She was a pitcher on the team beginning in 1943-1947.

For a personal account of her years as a player visit the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League website at
https://www.aagpbl.org/profiles/mary-pratt-prattie/111

The Rockford Register Star full obituary for Mary is available online at:
https://www.rrstar.com/sports/20200509/former-rockford-peaches-pitcher-mary-pratt-dies-at-101

We are deeply saddened by the news of Mary's passing and join others in the Rockford community in sending condolences to her family.

05/05/2020

Got Sleep? Strategies for Restful Nights and Energized Days | Advancement | University of Illinois at Chicago

Having trouble sleeping? The University of Illinois at Chicago is hosting a webinar on May 6, 2020, to offer strategies to help you fall and stay asleep during this stressful time. Register using the link below https://advance.uic.edu/events/got-sleep-strategies-for-restful-nights-and-energized-days/

May 6 2020 Got Sleep? Strategies for Restful Nights and Energized Days Alumni Exchange May 6, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Worry and anxiety may be keeping us awake during this stressful time. College of Nursing Dean Terri Weaver offers sleep hygiene strategies to help you fall and stay asleep and get th...

04/25/2020

Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund

In addition to statewide assistance, the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund is seeking donations to provide support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Chicago and the surrounding areas. If you would like to donate or learn more about the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, click the link below https://www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org/

You can help our neighbors affected by the coronarvirus crisis. Join me in donating to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund!

04/25/2020

Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund

The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (ICRF) is looking for donations to provide support to nonprofit organizations across the state serving individuals, families and communities hit hardest by the COVID-19. If you would like to donate or learn more about ICRF click the link below. https://www.ilcovidresponsefund.org/

You can help our neighbors affected by the coronarvirus crisis. Join me in donating to the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund!

04/20/2020

Lincoln Rememberance at the US Capitol Program 3 4 15

Lincoln's Second Inaugural 150th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by the Illinois State Society

The Illinois State Society of Washington, DC and the Abraham Lincoln Foundation jointly sponsored this event on March 4, 2015

03/09/2020

This week’s featured Illinois architecture in DC is the Patterson House, which was the early 20th century home of Robert W. and Eleanor Medill Patterson. Robert was the editor of the Chicago Tribune newspaper and the 30-room house was used by him and his family to entertain guests when they were in the city. It went on to serve as the summer home of President Calvin Coolidge and his wife when the White House was undergoing renovations. The building belonged to the American Red Cross, the Washington Club and is now being converted to luxury apartments.

03/09/2020

This Wednesday, join Northern Illinois University faculty, alumni and friends to celebrate NIU's 125th Anniversary Celebration!

Hello Illinoisans in DC!
You are cordially invited to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Northern Illinois University (NIU) at a networking reception that features NIU President Lisa C. Freeman, NIU congressional alumni and esteemed speakers, including Rep. Don Bacon, ’84, Rep. Robin Kelly, Ph.D. ’04, Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Rep. Lauren Underwood.

We hope you can join Washington, D.C., alumni and friends of NIU while celebrating the NIU story.

Wednesday, March 11
Longworth House Office Building – Cafeteria
15 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.
5-7:30 p.m.

To RSVP, contact Dana King, ’05, at 815-753-5421 or [email protected].

03/06/2020

DC ILLINI UNOFFICIAL 2020

Join our DC Illini friends and other alums as we relive our campus glory days on March 7, 2020. This year we've decided to spend the day at our favorite Chicago themed bar in the DC area, Ivy and Coney (21+ and cash only). A dollar from every Goose Island purchased goes towards the DC Illini scholarship fund!

Wristbands for this event are $10 and can be purchased until midnight on March 6, 2020 through the following link, or at the door. https://dc.illiniclub.org/store.html?show_item=1261

NOTE: A wristband is required to participate in this event.

A wristband entitles you to reduced beer prices (while supplies last). If you're unable to purchase a wristband prior to the event, please bring cash to the event to purchase.

A majority of the proceeds go towards supporting the D.C. Illini Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to area high school students to attend our good ol' alma mater. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

What: DC Illini Unofficial 2020
Hosts: DC Illini and Illinois State Society Young Professionals
Where: Ivy and Coney, 1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Closest Metro: Shaw-Howard University (Green and Yellow Lines) - take the R Street exit
When: March 7, 2020 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

02/28/2020

Today’s feature is the McCormick House, which was the early 20th century home of Robert and Katherine McCormick. Originally from Virginia, Robert’s family ran the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company that eventually became International Harvester. He also served as the U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary and Ambassador to Imperial Russia. The building is now the Brazilian Embassy! 🇧🇷

02/26/2020

Illinois has played a part in shaping the nation’s history since it was granted statehood in 1818 - but did you know it has contributed to the architectural history of Washington, D.C. as well? Stay tuned over the next few weeks to learn more about Illinois landmarks around the nation’s capital!

02/21/2020

Illinois State University

Happy founding week Illinois State University! 🔴⚪ This year, Illinois State celebrated the 163rd anniversary since its founding on February 18, 1857.

Need to brush up on your Illinois State history? Check out this video narrated by Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives, Illinois State University's April Anderson-Zorn and tell us what you learned!

02/20/2020

Join the Illinois State Society to see Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and the Chicago Blackhawks take on Alexander Ovechkin and Braden Holby and the Washington Capitals.

The game starts and at 7:05 pm on Saturday evening, March 14th at the Capital One Arena. Tickets are $70 each and are located in the 400 seats (upper bowl). The ticket includes a free Capitals T-shirt worth $15-20. Please send a $70 check payable for each ticket to the Illinois State Society to: Illinois State Society, P.O. Box 320776, Alexandria, VA 22320

Also, please notify Howard Marks you have sent in a check: [email protected]. Once we receive your check, you will receive instructions on where to pick up your order the night of the game.

This is a very hot ticket so act quickly as we have a very limited supply of seats.

02/12/2020

Today marks the 211th birthday of the 16th president of the United States and, well known Illinoisian, #AbrahamLincoln. Fun fact: while we have both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to thank for recognizing Thanksgiving as a national day of importance, it was President Lincoln who issued the proclamation in 1863 that set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving.

01/28/2020

Thank you to everyone who applied to represent Illinois in the 2020 Cherry Blossom Princess Program with National Conference of State Societies. 🌸 Our application period is now closed. Applicants will be contacted between January 30-31, 2020.

01/24/2020

Apply Now! 🌸 Application Due January 27, 2020 ➡️https://forms.gle/M4PK1oEVNCJmmqtn8

01/17/2020

Apply Now! 🌸 Application Due January 27, 2020 ➡️https://forms.gle/M4PK1oEVNCJmmqtn8

01/10/2020

Apply Now! 🌸 Application Due January 27, 2020 ➡️https://forms.gle/M4PK1oEVNCJmmqtn8

01/03/2020

Apply Now! 🌸 Application Due January 27, 2020 ➡️https://forms.gle/M4PK1oEVNCJmmqtn8

12/26/2019

Application Now Open! Apply Now to Represent Illinois as the 🌸 2020 Cherry Blossom Princess ➡️ https://forms.gle/M4PK1oEVNCJmmqtn8

12/24/2019

❄️ Happy Holidays from the Illinois State Society!

12/24/2019

2019 Holiday Reception & Annual Meeting