Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission

09/01/2026

Every month, the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission prepares and publishes a short article on some aspect of Illinois legal history in Illinois Courts Connect, the monthly e-newsletter of the Illinois Supreme Court.

We often wonder who reads these? Are they making an impact? Several recent contacts have shown us the reach of our stories. Recently, our article on George Anastaplo got positive feedback from those who took his classes. Also, a high school student Elle Kozina saw our 2021 story on feminine hygiene products and decided to turn it into an infographic.

It’s great to see such interest in our state’s legal history, especially from students.

08/04/2026

George Anastaplo was denied his Illinois law license in 1950 for refusing to answer a question about membership in the Communist Party. Read more about his attempt to become a lawyer in this July Courts Connect article. https://www.illinoiscourthistory.org/courts-connect/

08/03/2026

The fund carries forward the charitable intent of Benjamin K. Miller, former Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, by supporting causes important to him, including assistance for women in need. Details ⬇️

07/23/2026

The Fifth District Appellate Courthouse in Mount Vernon is noted as a historically significant structure by the National Register of Historic Places. The design was inspired by Greek Revival architecture. Built in 1857, the courthouse is still in use today.

07/20/2026

We had a fantastic turn out for the Party at the Capitol 250th Anniversary event. We gave tours to folks from Portugal, Norway, Iowa, and New York! We also got a few pictures of the Big Boy, the world's largest operating steam locomotive!

07/16/2026

Join us this Friday and Saturday for public tours of the Supreme Court of Illinois and our Learning Center in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our Independence. Tours will run both days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 200 E. Capitol Street in Springfield. The Illinois State Museum, Illinois State Archives, Illinois State Capitol, and the Illinois State Library will also be open and offering special tours, programs and exhibits! See the full schedule: https://www.illinoiscourthistory.org/News/1044/America-250-Celebrating-the-Story-of-Illinois-and-the-United-States/news-detail/

07/15/2026

Our Director of History Programs Dr. Samuel Wheeler will be speaking at the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County this Sunday at 2 p.m. on slavery in Illinois. Check it out!

Next in our Journey to Freedom programming: Join Dr. Samuel Wheeler, Director of History Programs at the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, as he discusses how slavery was viewed in the Prairie State and the legal stance Illinois took. *Venue is subject to change. Please check....

07/13/2026

The ISCHPC will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Story with our fellow institutions on the Capitol Complex from 10 - 4 p.m. on Friday July 17th through Saturday July 18th. We will be offering tours of the Illinois Supreme Court building and our Learning Center! Come out and join us!
Full Event Schedule:
https://www.ilsos.gov/.../america-250-illinois-pivotal...

07/10/2026

The recent Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning provides a dramatic account of the 1881 assassination of President James A. Garfield by Charles J. Guiteau, an Illinois lawyer. Learn more in our Courts Connect article.https://illinoiscourthistory.org/Resources/1bd7693d-3c50-41b0-83ec-8b76b6817786/2026-02%20SC%20History-Charles%20Guiteau.pdf