Illinois Humanities

08/28/2026

📢 Episode 6 of Illinois 250 on Community Voices is now available!

This special six-part series, created in partnership with NPR Illinois, explores the people, places, and ideas that connect Illinois to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

In the final episode, Julie Emig of the McLean County Museum of History and Mike Matejka of the Illinois Labor History Society examine the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the work still required to make them a reality. Through conversations about labor, free speech, voting rights, and civic participation, they reflect on how each generation helps shape a more inclusive democracy.

Listen and learn more at https://bit.ly/4ysWn9F

08/26/2026

✨ The voices of Illinois' next generation of poets are here. Congratulations to the 39 students recognized in the 10th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, carrying forward a legacy of creativity, storytelling, and self-expression.

Read their stories and meet this year's winners and honorees: ilhumanities.org/gbypa10

08/24/2026

Independent media matters more than ever.

This Labor Day weekend, Chicago Area Peace Action (CAPA) welcomes Amy Goodman, host and founder of Democracy Now!, for a powerful conversation on elections, war, authoritarianism, and the role of journalism in advancing social change.

Moderated by Damon Williams, acclaimed filmmaker, activist, and Illinois Humanities Public Humanities Award honoree, this event will explore how storytelling and grassroots movements continue to shape our future.

🎟️ Register now: https://secure.everyaction.com/GoatsRelz0asQLT0aaTGaA2

08/20/2026

From oral histories and documentaries to justice-centered storytelling and cultural preservation, 24 Illinois Humanities Project Grant grantee partners are bringing public humanities to life across Illinois.

We're proud to support these partners as they amplify local voices, preserve community histories, and help make the humanities accessible to all Illinoisans.

Meet the grantees at ilhumanities.org/news/meet-the-2026-project-grantee-partners

08/18/2026

One state. Countless stories.

Join us at upcoming Road Scholars events across Illinois to learn, reflect, and connect through conversations about history, culture, identity, place, and community.

📍Find an event near you via the link in our bio.


Paw Paw Public Library District
Olney Public Library
White Oak Library District
Harrisburg District Library
Pike County All Wars Museum

08/18/2026

The Peoria Historical Society is thrilled to announce that we are a recipient of an Illinois Humanities 250th Gift, part of a statewide initiative commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary. Through this initiative, Illinois Humanities awarded a total of $250,000 to 50 history, heritage, archival, and cultural organizations across Illinois that create, preserve, and amplify community stories and histories. We are honored to have PHS recognized as an organization that works every day to preserve and share the diverse stories, experiences, and histories that shape Illinois.

08/18/2026

The Savanna Historical Society is excited to announce we have been recognized by Illinois Humanities as part of its investment in 50 organizations across Illinois. Preserving history means preserving the lessons, stories, and experiences that shape our communities.
The Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, as the home of our historical society, is proud of all the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who have made this possible!
To read the full announcement go to
ilhumanities.org/news/investing-in-illinois-history

08/10/2026

Big ideas. Inspiring people. One unforgettable night. ✨ Join us at the 2026 Public Humanities Awards on September 23 in Chicago!

Learn more and get your tickets today: ilhumanities.org/events/2026-public-humanities-awards

08/04/2026

🎤 El Paso, Illinois and surrounding communities, we want to hear your story.

Join Illinois Voices 250 at the Hidden Histories Festival on Saturday, August 15, and share your memories, experiences, and hopes for Illinois. Whether you're from El Paso, Gridley, Panola, Minonk, or anywhere nearby, your voice is part of our state's story.

Stop by the recording booth at Project XV Museum and help preserve the voices of today for future generations.

📅 August 15, 2026
⏰ 4-8 p.m.
📍 Project XV Museum, 1 W. Front St., El Paso, IL

Learn more at il250.org/community-recording-days

Community Recording DaysThe Illinois 250 Community Recording Days Calendar highlights upcoming events across the state where residents can stop by and share their stories for the Illinois Voices 250 project. These pop-up recording opportunities make it easy for people to participate by visiting a lo...

07/31/2026

Whose stories shape our understanding of Illinois?

To honor the nation's 250th anniversary, Illinois Humanities is investing $250,000 in 50 organizations that document, preserve, and celebrate the many histories and lived experiences of communities across the state.

Together, we're helping ensure that Illinois stories are remembered, shared, and passed forward.

Meet the recipients: ilhumanities.org/news/investing-in-illinois-history