Illinois Heritage

John Hancock, a well-traveled, heart-broken poet, arrived in Springfield in the summer of 1831. His journey began in Cornwall, England, in the late 18th century, with stops in Italy, France, London (where he studied law), and Canada before his arrival in the Sangamo Country, where he secured a job selling whisky and sundries in Jacob Capps’ Grocery. According to ISHS director John Hallwas, professor emeritus of history and English at Western Illinois University and a Medievalist who has written more than 20 books about Illinois history and culture, Hancock was the finest poet in the Midwest in the 1830s, a writer of exceptional depth who wanted to capture the Prairie experience in verse. He succeeded admirably. Hallwas’ book, The Poetry of H: Lost Poet of Lincoln’s Springfield (Ellis Press, 1982), is the basis for his new play, The Mysterious Bard of Sangamo, which was recorded this past summer.

An Illinois State Historical Society marker commemorating United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) founder John L. Lewis (1880-1969) is scheduled for unveiling at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 5, at John L. Lewis Park, Shoal Creek Avenue and Jefferson Street in Panama.

Dr. James Henry Lewis (1888-1963), pioneering physician will be honored with a marker at 407 East Walnut Street in Harrisburg, IL at the site of the former Lewis Sanatorium. The dedication is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 24th.

Join us on Friday night, September 17, when an ISHS historical marker will be unveiled in Eldorado to commemorate an unlikely jam session, a footnote in rock 'n' roll history, which gives southern Illinois the distinction of hosting the first concert by a member of the Beatles in America.

Guy Sternberg, arborist and author, will discuss The Oaks and Habitats of Illinois and the Starhill Forest Arboretum in Petersburg.

Taylor Pensoneau, author and publisher, will discuss the Mine Wars of Central Illinois.