#United States #Chicago #storytelling #America 250 #Illinois Humanities

Illinois Humanities Launches America 250 Programs Statewide

On February 5, 2026, Illinois Humanities made a significant announcement regarding its extensive programs for the America's 250th anniversary. As the nation gears up to commemorate this historic milestone, Illinois Humanities aims to place Illinois at the forefront of the celebration through its array of initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and emphasizing local narratives.

Gabrielle Lyon, the Executive Director of Illinois Humanities and Chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission, remarked, "For Illinois Humanities, the 250th is much more than a birthday party. Our statewide effort puts Illinois residents at the center. We are illustrating that the story of Illinois is intrinsically linked to the story of America, and this narrative continues to evolve through the contributions of 'We the People.'"

Illinois Humanities bases its programs on the philosophy that “history belongs to all of us.” This guiding principle encourages people from all corners of Illinois—whether small towns, rural areas, suburbs, or bustling cities—to engage in thoughtful reflection on the values embodied by the Declaration of Independence. The goal is to facilitate conversations about democracy, belonging, and civic participation in today’s context.

To kick off its program calendar, Illinois Humanities will initiate the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, featuring an impressive selection of 40 speakers and over 150 free public presentations throughout the year. Many of these presentations will delve into how local communities, diverse landscapes, and rich histories play pivotal roles in the continuing narrative of America.

As part of the America 250 theme, Illinois Humanities has designed the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, which anchors its Community Conversations program. Twelve partner organizations across eight counties will host discussions and community events that spotlight local and regional histories. Sue Scott, Executive Director of the Western Illinois Museum and one of the hosts, shared, "By creating opportunities for engagement with history, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering collaborative thinking regarding our collective potential, we aim to craft a powerful narrative for our country's 250th anniversary."

The highlight of this initiative is undoubtedly Illinois Voices 250, a statewide storytelling project that will partner with StoryCorps Studios and the Illinois America 250 Commission. Set to take place between March and August, this ambitious project will traverse all 102 counties in Illinois to document conversations. The narratives harvested will be stored in the Library of Congress, destined to serve as time capsules encapsulating the voices of Illinois residents for generations to come.

For further insights and detailed information about the extensive programming set forth by Illinois Humanities in 2026, interested parties can visit www.ilhumanities.org. This initiative promises to weave together the essence of Illinois's rich history with the broader American narrative, making it an impactful contribution to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.