11/12/1926
The first recorded aerial bombing on US soil takes place in Williamson County during a feud between rival liquor gangs, the Sheltons and the Birgers. Charlie Birger ordered an attack on a Shelton associate's home. The Sheltons quickly retaliated by hiring a barnstorming pilot to bomb the Birger hideout, the Shady Rest, some 10 miles east of Marion. The bombardier tossed three homemade dynamite bombs, only one of which exploded to no strategic effect. Birger men sprayed the sky with submachine-gun fire, missing the plane.
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Since 1934, the Illinois State Historical Society has erected more than 500 historical markers statewide. Subjects of historical significance to Illinois are co-sponsored by local organizations and supporters. The Illinois State Historical Society coordinates the placement and management of historical markers throughout the state.
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Do you have an exciting local history news story or an event that you would like to share? Use this form to submit it and after a quick review it will be added to our news roll or events calendar. The goal is to add news and events from all over the state to celebrate Illinois’ rich history. Get involved and get the word out about news and events in your area.
On Tuesday, December 3, the Illinois State Historical Society hosts its annual Illinois History Symposium, in conjunction with a UIS "Lunch and Learn" program. Join us for one or all of the Symposium sessions. Morning and afternoon presentations are free to attend with complimentary snack refreshments. The Lunch and Learn program is $23/person and requires a reservation.
The November-December issue of Illinois Heritage highlights just a few of the things your Society has been up to in recent weeks. The Centennial Business Awards luncheon was held in Jacksonville on September 14, and we had a great time visiting with the new inductees, as well as previous year’s award winners from Morgan County. Last month we took our Fall Tour to the Shawnee National Forest, where our stellar guides revealed some of the hidden treasures of southern Illinois. And on December 3 at the University of Illinois Springfield we’ll celebrate the 201st anniver-sary of statehood with our annual Illinois History Symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Please come spend the day with us!
As you know, membership is the glue that holds the Illinois State Historical Society together. Your personal commitment to this organization makes all the difference in what we accomplish from year to year. Thank you for all you do to make Illinois history unforgettable. And please take time this month to renew your ISHS membership. Our future depends on what you do today.
Join us on Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. at the Mary's River Covered Bridge site for the rededication of the George Rogers Clark Campsite historical marker.
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An Evening with Vincent Speranza
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day and Veteran’s Day, World War II veteran and author Vincent Speranza of Auburn will tell his gripping and inspiring story of his life during the war and since.
Anti-Slavery Movement in Illinois
Illinois may have been a free state, but its anti-slavery forces were far from united. This free session of the Illinois History Forum features historian Jeanne Schultz Angel separating fact from fiction on how the Underground Railroad operated in Illinois.
George Rogers Clark Campsite Historical Marker Rededication
Illinois History Symposium
On Tuesday, December 3, the Illinois State Historical Society hosts its annual Illinois History Symposium, in conjunction with a UIS "Lunch and Learn" program.
Clayville Candlelight Christmas
Join us for the 1st Annual Clayville Candlelight Christmas at the Clayville Historic Site. We will provide tours of our decorated Broadwell Inn, Batterton Cabin, White Cabin, Schoolhouse, and Ag Museum.
Please do not use this button to submit or follow-up on submissions for the Illinois Heritage or Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. Instead visit the links below for the correct submission information.
