Illinois Heritage

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.

Ken Page, preservationist and historian, will discuss Firehouse No. 5—the First Black Firehouse in Springfield, IL, home to the city’s Black firefighters in the early 1900s.

Curtis Mann, librarian and city historian, will discuss the History of Nightlife in Springfield.