Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting residents to take part in the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary through a new website, social media outreach, exhibits, and public events celebrating Illinois’ role in the nation’s history.
Giannoulias announced the launch of the Illinois America 250 webpage, which highlights the state’s contributions to the nation’s political, economic, agricultural, and cultural development. The site features historic photographs, documents, and other materials from the Illinois State Archives and Illinois State Library, along with a calendar of commemorative events.
“As we commemorate this historic milestone, we invite Illinoisans to discover the people, places and moments that helped define our state and country,” Giannoulias said.
The Illinois State Archives has also launched social media accounts under the handle @ilstatearchives, where historical photographs, documents, artifacts, and behind-the-scenes content will be shared as part of the lead-up to the nation’s 250th birthday.
The first major event is scheduled for July 8th, when Illinois joins all 50 states in a simultaneous public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The reading will begin at 5 p.m. on the steps of the Illinois State Capitol and is open to the public.
On July 9th, the Illinois State Archives and Illinois State Library will open “America 250: Land of Lincoln,” a summer-long exhibit featuring historic plat maps, original surveyors’ notes, and land records connected to Abraham Lincoln. The exhibit will remain on display through Labor Day.
Additional activities are planned for July 17th and 18th, when the Illinois State Museum, Illinois Supreme Court, State Archives, and State Library host a free family event featuring children’s authors, archival conservation demonstrations, an American eagle flight demonstration, a Route 66 exhibit, and other interactive experiences. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the Capitol Complex.
More information and a complete schedule of events can be found on the America 250 website operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.